“And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways—and the Lord was with him.”
I Samuel 18:14
Faith and fidelity always travel together when we walk with the Lord.
Beliefs and behavior are inseparable, regardless of the realm in which they are found. Truly, our views and values determine our destination. That’s why it’s vitally important for us to make sure they’re rooted in God’s Word; otherwise, we’ll soon discover why the one who built his house on the sand was called a foolish man (Mt. 7:24-27).
There’s no doubt David was “a man after God’s own heart” (I Sam. 13:14).
From the time of his selection as the second king of Israel (16:1-13) until the time mentioned in today’s Manna, it was clear God’s Spirit was upon him and he “behaved himself wisely in all his ways.”
True, Christlike character isn’t developed overnight; neither is it something that can be hidden from view.
In David’s case, others quickly noticed the difference in him—not just because of his slaying Goliath with his slingshot (17:1-58)—but because he conducted himself in a way that was pleasing unto the Lord.
Even when an enraged, jealous Saul tried to twice kill him with a javelin (18:10-11; 19:8-10), David didn’t try to retaliate. Or, after Saul promised to give his daughter, Merah, to David as his wife—but ended up giving her to someone else (18:17-19)—the young shepherd boy didn’t allow resentment or bitterness to fester up within him.
Instead, he still maintained a spirit of humility (18:23) and sought to glorify the Lord by being faithful in whatever he was tasked to do (vv.25-27). He knew Saul hated him and wanted him dead (vv.8-12, 29); yet, he still refused to give in to feelings of revenge or despair.
Dear Pilgrim, Godly wisdom is not something we gain from years of study, experience or observation; it comes from the Lord and is only given to those who daily walk with Him in simple, childlike faith (James 3:13-18). This wisdom is “pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy and bears/sows the fruit of righteousness wherever one goes” (vv.17-18).
Does this describe you? Is it evident that “the Lord is with you” in your daily life? Are you “behaving yourself wisely”. . .especially in tough situations. . .because you’re resting in the Lord and seeking to do His Will?
Now, as never before, we need to walk as “children of light in this world of darkness” (Jn. 12:36; Eph. 5:8; I Thess. 5:5). Those around us are desperately looking for anything or anyone to help them as the world becomes increasingly more sinful. May we be faithful in our task—for that’s what brings glory to the One by Whose Name we are called (Mt. 5:16).
May 23, 2011
