Today's Devotion (Sunday)

Depending On God For Victory

2 SAMUEL 5:11-25

Key Verse:

"And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand" (2 Samuel 5:19).

When Samuel Chad Wick yielded himself utterly to God, he said: "There came into my soul a deep peace, a thrilling joy and a new sense of power. My mind was quickened. Every power was alert. Either illumination took the place of logic, or reason became intuitive. My bodily powers also were quickened. There was a new sense of spring and vitality, a new power of endurance and a strong man's exhilaration in big things. Things began to happen. What we had failed to do by strenuous endeavour came to pass without labour. It was gloriously wonderful". David knew that his greatness came only from God in an environment where other heathen kingdoms around him attributed their greatness to power, conquest, armies and wealth. Hence, he was always asking for God's guidance before taking a major decision against any enemy kingdom that rose up to confront him. Although David was favoured, successful and loved by his people, he gave God first place in his life and conducted the affairs of the kingdom in complete reliance on Him. True greatness is having a close relationship with God and bringing our ambition under His control. However, although David sincerely sought after God, he had weaknesses like any other person who lived before the dispensation of grace. One of those weaknesses was his desire for women. Sadly, the children from these women caused his kingdom much grief. God is completely against polygamy or any other immoral act. The supportive effort of Hiram, king of Tyre is highly inspired. This king sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and masons who built him a house. This was a great motivation to David which gave assurance that God was with him. Little assistance may go a big way unknown to us to provoke somebody to good work. Let us not be weary in well doing.

 

Thought for the day: True greatness comes when under God's inalienable control.

 

Bible Reading in one Year: HOSEA 5 - 9