1 chronicles 14 is like a fast forward playback of King David’s reign. It includes the highlights and the lowlights, but we see God’s hand in every part of his life. The chapter begins with an insight into the reputation David had developed. “Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to build a palace for him“. When we succeed; everyone wants to be our ally. We are so susceptible to flattery! “David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel“. This might be the question asked by all people that are searching for spiritual truth, “How do I know that I am in God’s will?” This is not a feeling, it is a promise that God made, and God always keeps His promises. David’s confidence was in God, not himself. Isaiah 41:10 is a promise for you and me: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand“.
Next we see the root of David’s character flaw and later the source of all his trouble. “In Jerusalem David took more wives and became the father of more sons and daughters“. David was very imperfect but by these mistakes, he was driven to repentance. There is never a time when we are closer to God then when we are seeking His forgiveness. This can be painful and emotional, but in humility we are restored. And we see the one consistent thing that produced unparalleled success in his life. “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them… David inquired of God”. David did four things in his relationship with God. He asked, he waited, he listened and then he gave God the credit. With the enemy set to attack, David did not act until, “The Lord answered him, ‘Go, I will hand them over to you’.” And this was not an isolated experience. Later the chapter explains, David inquired of God again, and God answered him“. God is seldom predictable though, He frequently does things with newness. “Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” And here is the key, “So David did as God commanded him“. Have things gotten stale in your relationship with God? Maybe it is time to inquire again?
The chapter concludes, “So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him”. Most of us are not generals or kings, but I do believe that God does want our enemy to fear our God. On my own I am not very powerful. When God’s Holy Spirit flows through me, I become valuable to God and those around me. What scenes replay in your head when you are required to act? I am convinced that on our own, we cannot edit that tape. Follow David’s example; ask, wait and listen to God’s Word. I believe God desires to give you a new message and a new hope. And what God starts, He finishes! Philippians 1:6 says, “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus“.