In The Waiting {DWITW 365}
Last week’s reading of Scripture led us through 1 Samuel 16, where we were introduced to one of the most well-known and influential characters of the Bible: David. In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel is sent to Jesse of Bethlehem to anoint one of his sons as king. Of course, God chooses the son that no one would suspect of being king: the young shepherd boy, David. After such a deliberate and intentional choosing, it would be easy to assume that God is ready to put His chosen one on the throne automatically. However, a close study of Scripture tells us that the time between David’s anointing and his kingship is fifteen years! It isn’t until 2 Samuel 5 that David actually steps onto the throne and is acknowledged as the King of Judah.
Those of us who are familiar with the stories of the Bible may find it easy to merely skim over these years as just simply a few chapters in the Bible. David knew that he was going to be King. Those in his armies knew that he was going to be King. And yet...he was not king - for 15 years!
David sought to declare God’s goodness and His sovereign timing
In fact, he is very much the opposite of the king. He is a refugee fleeing for his very life from the land and the people that he was promised that he would rule over. And, in the pages of God’s Word, we find many of David’s recorded Psalms (or songs) that were written during his time of waiting to take the throne. During his long years of waiting, David showed consistent steadfast faith in God and His ability to fulfill His promises. Through these recorded Psalms, we get to see a beautiful window into David’s heart.
First, David acknowledges his honest feelings during this time of waiting and seeking refuge - feelings of longing, fear, and a declaring of his need for God to show up (Ps 7:1-2; Ps 31:9-13; Ps 56:1-2; Ps 120). During this time, David sought to declare God’s goodness and His sovereign timing (Ps 31:19-20; Ps 54:6-7). In fact, instead of always focusing on himself and how he felt, He spent time praising God and focusing on His good attributes (Ps 34; Ps 142:5; Ps 63; Ps 124). Even after acknowledging his own feelings and circumstances (that are often less than ideal), David continues on with an attitude of thankfulness (Ps 7:17, Ps 56:3-4). And in those times of despair, David remembers to that his refuge is ultimately found in the Lord (Ps 27, Ps 31; Ps 56:3-4; Ps 17:15). Finally, he boldly asks the Lord for deliverance from his afflictions (Ps 35; Ps 123).
I cannot imagine what this time of waiting must have felt like for David. I am sure that there were days when it was easy for him to praise God and acknowledge His promises. However, I’m sure, there were other days that were difficult and full of affliction. Throughout all these ups and downs, we can see from his writings and the history found in Samuel, that David remained faithful to God and steadfast in his worship of Him.
While we all wait for things now, are we choosing to acknowledge our feelings, but ultimately declare God’s sovereignty over our situations?
As believers, we can relate with David’s struggle of waiting. We, like David, have been given a fulfillment and a promise. While David’s fulfillment was anointing, our fulfillment is salvation through David’s eventual heir - Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:8-9). David’s promise was eventually taking the throne, while our promise is being freed from the shackles and bonds of sin that bind us - both now and once for all when Christ returns (1 John 3:2).
We can also relate to David on a more personal note. What are you waiting for, right now, in this life? Maybe you are longing for a husband, a baby, or a friend. Maybe you are waiting for a broken relationship to be healed, or a job to be provided. While we all wait for things now, are we choosing to acknowledge our feelings, but ultimately declare God’s sovereignty over our situations? Are you spending time continuing to praise God? Do you have an attitude of thankfulness, or are you choosing to grumble and complain? Are you taking refuge in the Lord, or in other earthly, fleeting “fulfillments” of this life? In these times of waiting, may our attitudes look more like David’s attitude, who, in his time of waiting, penned these words in Psalm 27: “I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.”
Suzanne Hines wants to live in a world where sunflowers bloom in eternal summer, where her children play instead of argue and where her family has an endless budget for travel. When she's not loving her husband, training and teaching her three children, and spreading education on the foster care system, you can find her writing, reading or running outside!
Her favorite Scripture is Romans 12:12 "...be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer..." (NIV)