Day 29

David

from the reading plan

Open Your Bible

1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 2 Samuel 5:9-12, 2 Samuel 7:1-29

By Guest Writer

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 2 Samuel 5:9-12, 2 Samuel 7:1-29

I was driving in the car with my kids as we practiced their memory verse before Bible school. They were memorizing Jeremiah 29:11–12, “For I know the plans I have for you—this is the LORD’s declaration…” Afterward, I asked them if they understood what it meant for God to have a plan for their lives. Of course, they had no idea; they were too busy thinking about what they would be having for their afternoon snack. While elementary-aged kids may not be too concerned about their futures, God has plans for each of us—and this greatly excites me.

Not many of us are given as clearly defined a role as David—if only a priest like Samuel could come and visit us as young people, telling us exactly what God has in store. It’s almost like a scene out of a Hollywood movie—“Anoint him, for he is the one” (1Samuel 16:12). I can only imagine the shock and confusion David’s brothers had at his anointing.

Yet David didn’t ascend to the throne that day. While he may have been given a clear anointing, David still had to wait over a decade to step into his God-assigned role.

David probably had a lot of questions when he assumed his role as king after the many years spent in Saul’s service, fighting a giant, winning big battles for Israel, and running from his enemies in the wilderness. While “David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel” (2Samuel 5:12), his new title probably didn’t mean he had his whole life figured out. Instead, we see how God was using that time to increase David’s trust and obedience.

I believe the same is true for our purpose. Those who have been called by God have been given good plans to carry out for His glory (Romans 8:28). But many of us may still be wondering what that thing might be. I long to be a person who is consistently obeying God in the moments of my life that may feel insignificant but are building up the refined, holy person that God has for me to be. How might God use your present day to build your character like He built David’s?

Written by Bailey Hurley