Beneath the Bravado
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, You are my shield and my strength. Through You I can overcome every enemy.
Read 2 SAMUEL 22:31-51
[31] “As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. [32] For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? [33] It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. [34] He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. [35] He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. [36] You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great. [37] You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. [38] “I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. [39] I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. [40] You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. [41] You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. [42] They cried for help, but there was no one to save them- to the LORD, but he did not answer. [43] I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. [44] “You have delivered me from the attacks of the peoples; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me, [45] foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me. [46] They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. [47] “The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior! [48] He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, [49] who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me. [50] Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name. [51] “He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
In what do you need God to be your Rock?Until quite recently it was considered essential that a king should be able to lead his troops in battle. This placed him firmly in a macho world of strong bodies and strong egos. Such expectations certainly applied to David, and part of his great appeal was that he fitted the bill so well. His public life began with the acclaim, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands” (1 Sam. 18:7). So it is natural for David to exult in physical strength and agility (22:30,33-35), victory in battle (38-43), and the complete subjugation of his enemies (41-46). He knows the energy and vitality of being in his prime.However, underneath this bravado is a deep humility. David recognizes that all this is derived from God, who is the source of his strength and success (31-35). This is summed up beautifully in the phrase, “You stoop down to make me great” (36). This is a genuine partnership between David and God. The Lord gives him the strength and skill for battle, but David has to exercise it. Whatever our natural gifts, talents and energy, they derive from God and we are responsible for putting them to use.
Apply
Memorize Colossians 1:29 and take it with you into the challenging situations you face.
Closing prayer
Living God, let me live out my relationship with You before the world, so they may see You in me.
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