Strife and conflict and famine, all over the world: Ukraine, Ethiopia, Somalia, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran bombing the U.S. embassy in Iraq; God calls us to be people like David -- people after God's own heart.
"But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”" 1 Samuel 13:14
22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’" Acts 13:22
We serve a risen Savior!
Who was David?
A Shepherd:
"He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheep pens;
71 from tending the sheep he brought him
to be the shepherd of his people Jacob,
of Israel his inheritance.
72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
with skillful hands he led them." Psalm 78:70-72
A warrior:
He fought 66 battles. In each one he and his army were the little guys. He didn't lose one battle. He won them all. The world can look like it is winning. But it isn't. David never denied God. Never. And when he was confronted with his sin, he repented.
A child:
"1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and day after day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death,
4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing the Lord’s praise,
for he has been good to me." Psalm 13
He was a child who asked his Father questions. Came to his Father God with all things. He pleads with God for help. He praised God for God. He didn't blame God when things were bad. He praised God. The whole world is negative -- don't get stuck in that. Praise God. The world needs to see us praising God.
Our Battles:
Get read before the battle comes. Always be in training with your weapons -- the Bible and prayer. Train, train, train.
"12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
How do we participate in the fight? in the war?
1. Be in prayer!
2. Speak boldly for Jesus.
"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Corinthians 10:4
We have the power. The world doesn't. There is a reason we have prayer lists.
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”" John 18:36
We approach with confidence!
16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16
What are we to do?
"Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the l ight and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Our instructions are in 16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.
David's psalms of help
H -- hear
E -- establish
L -- Let
P -- preserve
"Hear me oh LORD, for I am poor and needy." Psalm 86:1
Establish my footsteps according to your word so no sin rule over me." Psalm 119:133
Let your mercy come quickly to meet us for we are in desperate need." Psalm 79:8b
Preserve my God for I take refuge in you." Psalm 16:1