David: Ordinary People, Extraordinary God

     Read Psalm 51.  David, the great grandson of Ruth and Boaz, was summoned by the prophet Samuel.   You see, Samuel was sent to Jesse’s home to anoint one of his eight sons the future king.  Looking at the stature of the eldest, Samuel was certain that he was the Lord’s choice.  God’s response was, “Don’t judge.”  Similarly, the next six were presented and rejected.  Upon further prodding, Samuel learned about David and had him brought in from the shepherd’s field.  David was chosen by God to be king.

     Don’t judge by appearances.  This is something we teach children, but at times we may find ourselves living by a different standard, even justifying why judging is acceptable.  God told Samuel, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at.  People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart, and maybe that’s what’s being whispered to us today. 

     While many would have looked for recognition, David went back to the sheep.  He remained still and waited for God, serving as a shepherd and playing his harp.  His talent brought him to serve King Saul, who needed a calm spirit.  When we find ourselves overwhelmed, let’s put on some praise music, a hymn, or hum a verse of Jesus Loves Me.  Focusing on God moves us away from anxiety and fear, it helps us to recognize God’s presence and leads to an inner peace and stronger faith.

     Overtime David was assigned the role of commander.  One highlight was David’s triumph over Goliath.  Saul became jealous of David’s popularity and ordered David’s assassination.  David fled …sometimes with men, sometimes with family and sometimes alone…but always with God.  It was in the quiet moments he processed grief, fear, and loneliness and wrote some of the Psalms.  Something that may help us during those times of anxiety is to journal our feelings, fears, concerns and praises. 

     After Saul’s death, David was crowned king; he waited for 15 years to become king.  We wait too.   David demonstrated great trust in God and in His timing.  Do we?  Do we rush the plan?  Do we trust God’s sovereignty and wisdom respecting the delays?  Do we take time to recognize the refining of our character and the lessons we learn as we depend on God?  Friends, it’s in the waiting that our faith is stretched.  When we look in life’s rearview mirror, like David, we too, will see our God at work.  

     During his reign David committed adultery and then sent Bathsheba’s husband to the front line resulting in his death to cover up the sin.  The prophet Nathan urged David to go to God with a contrite heart.  In brokenness David scribed Psalm 51.  When we are confronted with sin we have options: deny it, embrace it, blame others, seek to improve and/or respond with repentance.  Our biggest problem is sin but what we choose to do about the sin makes all the difference.  David wrote a heartfelt confession without excuse, an acknowledgement of his offenses and expressed a great desire for God’s mercy. In faith David went to God, confident that God’s cleansing was effectual.  He repented, pleading for a new and clean heart resulting in a restored relationship with God.  Maybe you’re in a similar place?  David taught us that going to God and seeking his mercy and repentance is the only hope.  

     When we sin, we are rebelling against God. We are guilty and deserve His judgment.  No matter how hard we try, we can’t erase our sins or cleanse them from our hearts.  David knew and so do we…that God knows our hearts.  Our actions and words need to jive.   As Christians, we sin, but we know that God is faithful to forgive.  God cleanses and then goes forward – he cares where we are going, not where we have been.  He does not hold our sins over us. He frees us from the hold of sin and sets us free to live a new life.  Again, be cautioned, God knows our hearts.  David was a sinful, broken man but God knew his heart – one of repentance and sincerity.  Let’s invite God into our vulnerable spaces.  As we cope with anxiety tests, let’s remember the hope we have in Jesus and remain steadfast in following His path. 

     David was tested and at times failed, his choices led to grave consequences and a deeply repentant heart, but more than anything, David wanted to be right with God.  He sought God’s heart and strived to do God’s will and that’s my prayer for us today.   And all God’s people say, amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Kerry  

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