by David Scott Robertson
"David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him" (1 Samuel 18:14).
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When I read this verse in my daily Bible reading in 1 Samuel chapter 18, I don't mind telling you that I wanted it to apply to me. I wanted it to become one of my "life verses" that I commit to memory and quote regularly. It's perfect for me. I know it refers to David, son of Jesse, whom Samuel anointed to be king of Israel. But what if I could somehow lift that verse from the Scriptures and have it apply to me, now? Wouldn't that be great?
"David [Scott Robertson] continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him."
There are other verses in the same chapter that are equally fantastic that illustrate that David's phenomenal success was due to the Lord's being with him:
- "Whatever Saul asked David to do, David did it successfully. So Saul made him a commander in his army, an appointment that was applauded by the fighting men and officers alike" (1 Samuel 18:5).
- "But all Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle" (1 Samuel 18:16).
- "Whenever the Philistine army attacked, David was more successful against them than all the rest of Saul's officers. So David's name became very famous through the land" (1 Samuel 18:30).
But alas, the Lord's presence in this ancient patriarch's life is an isolated incident, right? The Lord granting David of old unusual favor, incredible success, and supernatural protection were all a "one-time thing," right? God did this because He wanted to build a dynasty through David, and eventually through his son, Solomon, and ultimately fulfill the Messianic prophecies that the Christ would come through the house and line of David, isn't that correct?
Yes and no. While it is true that God had a sovereign plan for King David and his lineage, and it is true that the Messiah would eventually come through this natural ancestry, at the same time it is not true that God's favor and presence in David's life was an isolated incident, a one-time thing!
I believe with all my heart that God does not play favorites. If we as modern-day followers of Jesus, disciples of Christ, true believers in the Son of God, "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13), then it is my firm conviction that we can enjoy the same presence of God and subsequent success in life and times as King David did in his. I believe my statement here is more than "wishful-thinking" and really draws upon theological underpinnings to validate its truth to me and you:
- "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5).
- "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
- "…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20).
- "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful" (Joshua 1:8).
What was it about King David that so drew God's attention that He instructed the prophet Samuel to fill up his horn with oil and go and anoint David, son of Jesse to be king?
- David's first love was God.
- David was a passionate worshipper.
- David was a humble man.
- David was obedient in all things to God and man.
- David had a profound respect for authority.
- David was loyal to his friends.
- David loved his family immensely.
- David was a man after God's own heart.
Would your friends testify that the above list of statements pretty much describe you?
Do you possess qualities such as these? Are you growing in these areas? Is Jesus truly your first love?
If so, then you have a heart after God and you can expect that His presence will go with you and He will give you rest (Exodus 33:14). As God was with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Moses and Elijah and Jeremiah and Samuel and David and Paul and Peter and James and John…so God will be with you. And if God is with you, success in whatever your hand finds to do cannot be far behind.
DSR
1/10/05