Over the last few weeks, I’ve been looking at ways to apply the word found in 2 Samuel 1-9 and sharing some thoughts that not only can benefit you now but also help the next generation too! The greatest of all possessions one can hand off to future generations are the guiding principles of God taught by Christ Jesus.

In studying the relationship between Saul and David, good ideas are provided in how to handle our relationships with others. Rather than being angry with those who have caused much distress in our life, we need to let it go and hand it over to God. A good strategy is to pray first, ask for God’s help, and then say what needs to be said.

Lessons learned can be applied in our own life. We can use the same guidance and power that David used by asking help from God in Jesus’ name. There may be issues at work or health problems that make us feel that we are constantly fighting battles but through prayer, we have available the greatest power. By asking for help in Jesus’ name, we are guided towards solutions to overcome major problems that make us victorious over these battles.

Another quality of David noted is how he let God be the one to judge and punish. He demonstrated a personality that respects authority, had patience, and there was a pleasing open-mindedness about him. The trend of winning was on the side of David because he was following the guidance of God and had character traits that were helping him continue to step ahead along the path to success.

The Bible is our instruction manual and living the way many of the characters lived teaches us to lead a life that is meaningful and best make a positive impact on the world. David was careful even in the “minor” things because above all, he knew he was accountable to the Lord who knows all things. Leaders who are consistent in the way they handle wrongs done to others establish peace within societies because people know what is expected. Then there is justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation.

David’s greatness came from the fact that he relied on God’s power and did as God instructed. David understood that God controlled the future and could give the proper direction. As David applied his faith in God, he provided leadership for the good of his people. The lesson for us is that our strength comes from God and we should apply our faith by following His word. The word provides us with food for the soul and what we need to take on the challenges we face.

We gain experience each day knowing there is a right way and a wrong way to live out our life. In the account of Uzzah showing disrespect to God by touching the arc, we are given a warning that there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. By following the right way, we can gain small wins that will eventually lead to the ultimate victory. Jesus provides the Way and the Light shines bright along the path so let us celebrate the ultimate victory that Jesus brings.

We all need friends and David’s was a friend named Nathan who was a prophet. David shared with Nathan about his thoughts of building a house for the ark of God. Nathan was a friend who affirmed that thought and today we have a friend in Jesus to affirm our thoughts as we go in prayer to receive direction in our daily walk to a future beyond what could be imagined!

Prayer gives us a chance to have an open exchange with God who believes in us and is interested in our future. He gives us a plan but it is up to us to fulfill our obligations towards the attainment of that plan. As we read God’s Word and pray, thoughts are given, ideas are brought out, and a pathway to our purpose removes any doubt about fulfilling that purpose.  

David was kind to the handicapped son of Saul named Mephibosheth. Giving him land and then telling Saul’s steward to farm the land for Mephibosheth. Bringing in the crops so he would be provided for. In the same way, let us be kind and encourage each other to spread the seeds of God’s word one person at a time. Before long, a community and world will be impacted in a positive way.

Like a single wild flower in a field, over the years the seeds produce many flowers just like one act of kindness replicates in God’s people to produce a community of faith that grows year by year into a thing of beauty.

The journey continues over the next few weeks as I go further into the book of 2 Samuel. Keep up with my spiritual journey over the next few weeks either through following this blog by clicking the follow button on the top right side of this page or by liking the Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God – A Spiritual Journey. Let’s share thoughts or ideas about applying our faith as we step ahead along the path to victory.