Readings for today: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18
What often gets lost in the stories of David’s victories is what he did with the spoils. The tribute from the Arameans. The gold shields from Hadadezer. The bronze captured from different cities. The gifts from the king of Hamath. He dedicates all of it to the Lord along with all the gold and silver captured from the nations he subdued. It’s a powerful testimony to David’s faith and humility. David understood his victories came from the Lord. He understood it was the Lord who had gone before him and won the battles. David gave the Lord all the honor and glory for his success. He walked humbly before the Lord never claiming any honor for himself. And the result? “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went.” (2 Samuel 8:14 CSB) Not only that but the Lord established David’s reign over all Israel and he ruled with righteousness and justice.
I think about the “victories” I’ve won in my own life. The successes I’ve had in ministry. The achievements I’ve been able to accomplish. Do I give the credit to the Lord or do I take some of the credit for myself? What do I do with all the blessings that come my way? Do I seek to bless others in the name of the Lord? Do I give all the honor and glory to God? Do I dedicate my time and energy and attention and resources back to the Lord in tangible ways? Give more generously? Serve more sacrificially? Am I committed to walking in faith and humility? One of the secrets I have learned over the course of my life and ministry is to always give God the credit. Remind myself I am nothing without Him. Everything I have and everything I’ve achieved over the course of my life is due to Him. He determined where I would be born and what family I would be born into and I have been blessed. He gave me the gifts and talents and abilities I enjoy. He created all kinds of opportunities for me that I did not deserve. He opened doors that should have remained shut. He called me to the church I serve. He raised me into positions of influence. All I did was walk with open hands. And that’s why all the credit goes to God for any success I’ve had over the course of my life and ministry. And it’s why I continue to dedicate more and more of my time, energy, and resources to His mission.
What about you? Do you see God’s hand at work in similar ways in your own life? Do you give God the credit He deserves for the success you’ve been able to achieve? Do you look for tangible ways to dedicate your time, energy, and resources to Him? What would that look like for you today? Where do you start? What’s the next step? Go to the Lord in prayer and ask the Spirit to lead you.
Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75