Do you struggle to run the race God has set before you? Are you discouraged by stumbles along the way?
David was a champion for the Lord—but not because he was a gallant warrior who never stumbled. He did not glory in the praises of the people after he defeated Goliath. He knew someone much greater than himself had secured the victory. Though the people saw his might, he understood his weakness. David lived a very difficult life. In many cases it was tragic, lonely, and filled with broken dreams.
Though the people saw David's might, he understood his weakness.
After the prophet Samuel anointed him king over Israel, David probably thought he would be going to Jerusalem, but instead, he ended up shivering in a dark and lonely hillside cave. Instead of accolades and praise, David had to settle for a life lived on the run from a king who was bent on killing him.
But here is what is noteworthy about David's life: He never gave up. He never lost his confidence, and he always believed he would experience God's victory. It did not matter to David if he realized the victory here on earth or in heaven. Though he sinned and stumbled in his witness for God, he never entrusted his life to anyone but the Lord.
He writes, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God" (Psalm 42:1). What do you do when sorrow comes? When disappointment fills your soul? David responded by being available to God. He never abandoned his devotion to the Lord. He sought humility over bitterness, repentance over resentment.
Prayer: Lord, may I live my life the way David did—in love with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked. . . . but whose delight is in the law of the Lord" (Psalm 1:1-2).
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