"When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming so he went into the stronghold." 2 Samuel 5:17
Finally David is acknowledged and anointed King over all Israel. The promise has been fulfilled. The King has been crowned but where is the fanfare, the pomp and circumstance? There is none. Instead David finds himself once again hiding from an adversary.
Where did he go? To the place of solace, safety, and security, the stronghold. He knew where to go and he knew what to do. He asked the Lord for direction. He did not want to advance forward one step without the Lord's blessing and a promise of victory.
I love this entire scene. David consults the Lord, follows His leading then after the victory David gives God the glory and praise, "The LORD did it!" (2 Samuel 5:20) Then as we would expect the Philistines returned and again David asked the Lord what to do. We find that David once again did what the Lord commanded and found himself the victor.
This portion of scripture encourages us in so many ways. We see that
- Even when our promise is fulfilled we will more than likely still meet adversity
- The enemy will mobilize a plan of attack
- We need a place of solace, safety, and security to consult with the Lord
- The Lord is faithful to give us an answer we must be faithful to obey
- When, not if victory comes, the praise and glory does not belong to us
- The enemy is persistent but the Lord is our stronghold and mighty to save
I am going to the stronghold now, to my place of solace, safety, and security. I will consult my Lord on what to do next. I will listen and obey His command. I can't wait to shout, "The LORD did it!"
He did. Praise God, He did.
He did. Praise God, He did.
17 Comments:
Good Morning, Sweet Sister's...
I loved this morning's reading!
I've started marking every time David asks the LORD for advice. I could hear the excitement in David's voice, "The LORD did it!" :) I got goosebumps visualizing him giving God this Glory! God was smiling down on him too.
When we are up against a daily difficulty we know what to do! We need to go the stronghold like you said, Wendy...'consult my LORD on what to do next.' LOVE THAT! We have the 'knowledge' girlfriends! Can we do it; can we follow our dear David's modeling? Help me!
I read a devotion that was interesting: 5:6 -They could not have had Temple for the dwelling place of God until the Jebusites, )who held the central spot in the promised land,) were cast out. This strong hold of Zion is symbolic of strongholds which lie deep inside our minds and hearts. These strongholds keep Christ from becoming LORD of our lives. Impulses that subtly demand to remain within our hearts.
***How do we overcome these?
daily staying in God's Word...filling ourselves with "His" knowledge.
Bountiful blessings,
Lori - AZ
Thanks Wendy and Lori for the insights this morning. I have been reading along this week but nothing has just jumped off the page at me. I am so thankful for all of your insights into the Word, especially in weeks like this one that nothing has really stood out to me. Lori, I love what you have written today! I love David's example of how his heart was always devoted to God and placing Him first. David did not do everything right and made some really bad decisions, but His heart was still after God's. That gives us all hope that even though we sin and fall short we can still have hearts for God. I know that is my deepest desire, even though I have battles in areas of my life where temptation and sin gets the best of me more than I would like.
Beautiful day here in TN! I am looking forward to a haircut, highlight and eyebrow wax here in a little while. We are having family pictures made on Saturday and I am getting ready for that. Hope you all have a blessed day!
In Him,
Brandee
Goodmorning all
Like Lori, I've enjoyed today's reading.
Throughout the entire reading on David, I've been encouraged by the way he kept consulting God as to his next move, he was obedient to the instrustions that he received, his battles were won and he gave God the Glory - ALWAYS and CONSISTENTLY!! He developed a pattern and he stuck with it because it worked! We too must adapt to this pattern and watch God's promises manifest themselves into our lives.
Another verse that got my attention was 2 Samuel 6:6-7;
6 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this.[d] So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
In those days, the Ark of the Covenant acted as an intermediary between the people and God (in a symbolic form) and the priest/judges/kings were the human intermediaries. Today however, through the blood of Jesus, those forms of intermediaries have been replaced. Jesus now performs that role; Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". We have to give reverance and respect to the Name of Jesus, lest we be struken down like Uzzah, who mishandled the Ark of the Covenant.
Be blessed!
Chanan
Bahamas
The headline in today's reading for me goes like this:
"The Lord Who Bursts Through"
"Baal-perazim"...David names the place it happened! He did it! God is given the glory! David exclaims, "He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!"
A raging flood is a very powerful image taking with it anything in it's path. Clearing the way, so to speak, so that we may succeed in the battle...giving God the Glory ! He did it!
Some Ponderings:
*How does the Lord burst through in our life today like a raging flood?
*When have I exclaimed, "The Lord did it!" Do I give God the glory when I succeed in serving Him or others?
*Do I ask the Lord 1st before I move forward with a plan?
*And more importantly in that "stronghold" time and place do I take time to listen...
"Be still and know that I am God"
is a constant whisper I often hear when I feel I am doing all the talking or planning on my own.
or
*Do I listen/see the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of me (with His armies)and follow his lead or in the wake of the path he has cleared for me?
I am also reminded of Proverbs 3:5& 6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Help us oh Lord, to seek you first! Listen for your voice and take notice when you are on the move as a sign to go and follow; for you have cleared a path for each of us to take action, serve, speak, write, do battle or to overcome a struggle or a circumstance. You Lord are our stronghold! We thank you and praise you! You did it! You overcame death itself so that we might have everlasting life with you! Amen
Enjoy your day...look for signs of God on the move in your behalf!
Love from Debbie in Illinois
Good Morning All! So much in today's reading - so many treasures when we're willing to take the time and dig into His Word.
Wendy, I'm staying in that secure place today - close to Jesus, as my Dad has two more procedures done at the hospital today. (Leaving shortly to spend my day there again.) So thankful for His place of rest and safety. Knowing, like David, that the Lord is with us (2 Sam.5:10). After today is completed I want to join with David in shouting a resounding, "The Lord did it!"
Chanan, I also pondered the verse about Uzzah and the Ark. Disobedience led to death. Uzzah reached out and God reached down. The ultra-holy was treated as common. Wondering how many times I regard the holiness of God in too casual a manner.
Debbie, love all your thoughts this morning. Great questions and encouragement in His promises.
The verse that spoke the most to me today was 2 Samuel 5:12, "And David realized that the LORD had confirmed him as king over Israel..." I'm sure David, as a young shepherd boy must have wondered why God had chosen him to be King. Such a high calling on one so young. Destiny determined, not by genealogy, but by God.
David encountered an 'ah ha' moment. The light bulb came on. Suddenly it all began coming together. This was God's plan for his life. All the stones of 'no's' and 'yes's' that scattered his pathway led him to this very moment in time. Pieces began falling into place. The stone that symbolized slaying a giant was just the first of many stepping stones along the way.
Beth Moore writes, "Sometimes we stand to learn the most about God from the situations we understand the least."
During difficult times we have to hold on to what we do know. We may not know why, but we can know Who. Our adversities are God's universities. He is teaching us to place our confidence in Him.
Even though David's life didn't instantly change at this moment, I believe his heart came to a place of acceptance. Outwardly battles still raged, but a peaceful, blessed assurance filled his soul. He was no longer fighting against God's calling, but breathing deeply in the full knowing that he was in the center of the Lord's will for his life.
Oh to experience that moment of realization in my life today. This IS where God wants me right now...at this time. Father may I know Your confirmation over me.
Hugs to you all today,
Joy
OK Girls. I have to admit that I get wrapped up in the logistics occasionally and have to ponder how they made things happen. I had to put it all together and determine how many warriors gathered to make David king of Israel. NOT counting the 120,000 that came from the East side of the River Jordan where the tribes of Rueben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh lived, there were over 215,000 warriors.
Maybe I’m missing something again, but that just seems like a lot of warriors – in full battle array. I don’t know about you, but I grew up with 2 brothers (and have raised two boys) who were big boys and ate a lot. Try feeding nearly a quarter million big strapping, fighting boys - for 3 days! At least their relatives were thoughtful enough to make preparations and bring in food!! And it sounds like they all really got along at this joyous occasion! I know that none of this really matters, but I couldn’t help myself.
On to more serious stuff…….. I absolutely love the way David consults God on everything that he does. And I love David’s humble spirit…… in 2 Samuel 5:12, it says that David realized that the Lord had confirmed, and blessed his kingship over Israel. David didn’t assume anything. He consulted in the Lord, and trusted that He would do everything that He promised! I often find myself discouraged and worn out because I haven’t consulted God, or if I did consult God, I chose to do it my way.
The other thing that has always ‘struck’ me is the passage where Uzzah is struck down for trying to save the ark from falling when the oxen stumble. Is God angry because they aren’t transporting the ark correctly in the first place? Is He angry because of Uzzah’s lack of faith that God would not allow the ark to fall completely to the ground? And did Uzzah now have the privilege of being in the presence of God while He smiled down on Obed-edom, or did his act of disobedience condemn him to Hell? (I surely hope not!)
One other quick thought…… If God was angry because of the disrespect shown by Uzzah to the Ark, and struck Uzzah down because of that disrespect, I have to wonder how God can tolerate the disrespect when He hears someone take His or His Son’s name in vain. I don’t know about you, but it just sends shivers down my spine when I hear that. I can only imagine how God must feel. Oh God, please help me to be respectful and reverent of You all the time!
Okay gals, here's my tidbit for today: "David and all Israel were celebrating before God WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT". I cannot say I've ever done that. And that made me kind of sad; I surely have celebrated my God....but not with all my might....why do I hold back? If not on earth, I know I'll celebrate Him with all my might in Heaven! Boy, to just cut loose and celebrate Him with everything I've got....
Morgen
AMEN to all of your comments! David is such a perfect example of humility! Although he was a proven warrior and had all the help he needed, he still realized he needed to consult God in all his ways. Oftentimes, we can get so comfortable doing what we do, we forget to ask God what his plans are for us.
I love the singing with all your might. If you have a moment listen to this song by Israel Houghton...do you think their song of victory sounded anything like this! Morgen I can just see you dancing with all your might to this tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7d3A39rls
These are the words to the song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB6RAfJkONE&feature=related
Blessings!
Debbie - North Carolina
Popping back in today...I just listened to the song...THANKS Debbie! Absolutely love the words to this song...I need to get this on my ipod!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I've got a second wind to get me through the afternoon. :)
Morgen, when you mentioned praising God with all of your might... smiles came across my face as I remembered doing this. I'll share some of God's Glory with you all. God brought a verse to my mind to memorize. A "portion" of it stood out to me. About the same time I was asking him to enlighten me and to show me if there was any evil on my heart...I'll never forget my 3 week period of time where God brought this particular verse alive to me that I had memorized...only He brought "another portion" of the verse alive! He's like that, ya know...
He allowed something to happen to me to allow me to know just how conceited my heart really was. I had know idea, believe me! In a round-a-bout way he led me through a situation that caused something to happen to me. I wish I could go into details, but it would take too long and I'm writing a book as it is! Through this period of suffering tho, I totally went to him out...humbled myself...prayed...God carried me through the 3 week period, enlightening me each morning as I totally surrendered over to him and asked His advice on what I should do. When I'd awake at night with worry and anxiety...he'd comfort me. He told me the 2 Godly women to seek out...which I did and I knew they were fervently praying for me...
The last night I awoke and I was led to kneel in prayer ---sobbing as I went before Him again in prayer...well, it was the last day during my appointment that the turn-around happened and I knew without a doubt, God had delivered me and taken care of me and healed me and the way He did it was so precious...just as a Father takes care of a child. I would not change this situation I went through for anything in the world...so, as I got in my car to drive home...I was praising God...I was thanking God like never before...I was worshipping God...my God Almighty had carried me through the situation. I was so humbled before Him like I've never-ever been before in my life. I felt His presence with me during these weeks. As I was driving home I was so beside myself with joy...I can imagine the stares I received from people looking in my window...I'm sure they had thought I'd completely lost it! But, ya know what ...I did not even care I was just sooooooooooooooooo in love with my Savior at that moment in time, I wanted the whole wide world to know; just what an awesome God I have! Then...about 10 min. later...I realized I was headed N. to Flagstaff...driving home on the freeway in the opposite direction! :) I just turned my praising into laughing...I got off the freeway and turned around...I praised God somemore because He lengthened that car ride home for me and gave me some more time to praise Him and thank HIM! To give Him the Glory! I got home and called my 2 prayer warriors...and we praised Him again! Oh sister's God is GOOD and just rethinking about this gets me going! And, especially after hearing that song Debbie!
Enjoying your comments today dear girlfriends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you oodles!
Lori - AZ
Lori....LOVE IT, LOVE IT LOVE IT! I just gotta LET GO of my supposed self control....
Morgen
Right on! That video was da bomb!! Thanks for sharing Debbie! I could handle blasting that one on my car stereo....whew!
Praise Him with everything I've got!!
Morgen
Hightly Favored
Hightly Favored
Ladies,I just most give God the glory once again by telling you that I'm a witness as to God moving ahead of us and working on our behalf.
I was in a car accident a few weeks ago.If you were to examine the surrounding circumstances you would find that by-right I could have been dead. "BUT GOD" cleared the PATH. causing me to be raised above the circumstances and coming out with only a busted foot.GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! " God did it!
Know what ladies? I was singing the song (don't know if you know this one or not) "Never Could Have Made It" when I was hit.
I"m still singing is praises.
Debbie in N.C hello and thanks for the song.
okay debbie...ANOTHER song for my ipod!!! Thank you for sharing God's Glory. Sorry to hear about the accident, but now you're a testimony that lives "to tell us that He was there for you...He was there to carry you through." He had you singing that tune too!
:) Lori - AZ
Thanks for the link to the readings Karen,
Jodie
Debbie...GREAT SONG!
Morgen, LOVED what you wrote. Celebrating with all my might. Don't know that I've ever done that either. I wish I had the freedom to do so. I envy those who express themselves in worhsip without any inhabition.
Longing to cut loose,
Joy
Good evening! The readings this week have left me with many questions rather than insights. I am so thankful for all the comments posted this week. All of you have helped answer my questions, as well as add insight.
During church one Sunday morning, I heard the pastor say..."If Satan can't make you bad he'll make you busy." With the end of school approaching comes field trips, banquets, academic testing, and many more activities. I wonder if some days my mind is too busy to listen to the quiet voice of God. I am thankful for His backup singers!
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