17 David went out to meet them and said to them, “If you have come to me in friendship to help me, my heart will be joined to you; but if to betray me to my adversaries, although there is no wrong in my hands, then may the God of our fathers see and rebuke you.”
I Chronicles 12:16 ESV
David made an honest evaluation of each person he accepted into his circle. They didn’t need to earn their way in or be some stepping stone for his kingdom or his personal rise to power. If they came with a pure heart, he welcomed them. He trusted God’s wisdom to help him lead and discern, and he was not blinded even by close family ties.
Everyone loved David. They flocked to him.
36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them, as everything that the king did pleased all the people.
2 Samuel 3:36 ESV
He could do no wrong. His approval rating was at an all time high, and he was yet to rule the whole of Israel.
22 For from day to day men came to David to help him, until there was a great army, like an army of God. . . 38 All these, men of war, arrayed in battle order, came to Hebron with a whole heart to make David king over all Israel. Likewise, all the rest of Israel were of a single mind to make David king.
I Chronicles 12:22, 38 ESV
In the midst of all of this attention and devotion, David displays a humility that makes no logical sense, from human thinking. He was on a roll. His power and influence kept rising. Nearly everyone around him deferred to his perspective and opinion. However, when I evaluate his response to all this regard from God’s perspective, it makes perfect sense. David’s sold out devotion to God shined through brilliantly in those early years of his reign. He loved God whole-heartedly and recognized every victory as His, every blessing as coming from Him, and all that David ruled over was merely entrusted to him by God.
Some of the most challenging places to remain humble and in reliance on God are on the mountain-top experiences of life. I would say becoming the king of God’s chosen people would be a pretty thrilling accomplishment. And yet, David takes it in stride, trusting that he is following God’s plan and simply being obedient and faithful.
This simple shepherd-boy-become-king definitely had his priorities in order.
Lord, show me how to be humble in every situation. How to graciously walk through success as well as how to patiently endure trials. Whether You walk with me through a pleasant pathway or a rough valley, help me trust that Your way is best. May I honor you with my whole-heart as David clearly learned from a young age. In Jesus name, Amen.
Erin (6intow)
Sixty-six books in a year 