Today’s Tasting: 2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 11–12: 2 Samuel 5 records the beginning of David’s reign and the ongoing war with the Philistines. I Chronicles 11 and 12 record the same time in Jewish history, beginning with the “mighty men” who came together to support David even while he was still in exile before Saul’s death. The passage says, “All these, being men of war who could draw up in battle formation, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one mind to make David king” (1 Chronicles 12:38 NASB).
Today’s Nourishment: Even before Saul’s death, the people of Israel had switched their allegiance from Saul to David. They had heard about Samuel’s prophecy that David would be king, and knew that God had taken His power away from Saul. “So Samuel said to him [Saul], ‘The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today,’” (1 Samuel 15:28).
As I asked the Lord to reveal the lesson in today’s reading, the Holy Spirit reminded me that God’s Word will stand. Even though David did not become king immediately, even after Saul’s death, in the long run everything that God had declared would happen actually did. The Bible tells us that after Saul’s death, “…there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; and David grew steadily stronger, but the house of Saul grew weaker continually” (2 Samuel 3:1).
This is a sobering reminder that God does not speak lightly. What he says will happen, will happen. Time is irrelevant to God, so when nothing seems to be going as we expect, it doesn’t mean He is not at work in our lives. This should both encourage us and make us weigh our actions carefully.
We should know His promises and hold on to them, believing that He will do what He has promised in His Word. Is your spouse or child running from the Lord? God promises every member of your household will be saved (Acts 16:31). Is your heart broken because of a loss in your life? God promises He heals the broken hearted (Psalm 147:3). I could go on and on, telling of the promises in His Word. Instead I encourage you to find out for yourself what God has promised you. It’s in His Word! These promises have kept me through many difficult seasons. If you’re serious about living a life filled with purpose and meaning, study the Word of God to find out how.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Psalm 133
Joanne Creary
Well Woman Coaching LLC
Yes, Joanne, His promises are yes and amen! I thank Him for His promises to me personally and to us, collectively, as His people!
Yes God means what He says and says what He means. His promises are everlasting they don’t have an expiration date. Thanks Joanne, this really blessed me. I do hold on to His promises He’s never let me down, thank You Lord I love You with all my heart!