“And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went… When Toi king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the whole army of Hadadezer, Toi sent his son Joram to King David, to ask about his health and to bless him because he had fought against Hadadezer and defeated him, for Hadadezer had often been at war with Toi. And Joram brought with him articles of silver, of gold, and of bronze. These also King David dedicated to the Lord, together with the silver and gold that he dedicated from all the nations he subdued, from Edom, Moab, the Ammonites, the Philistines, Amalek, and from the spoil of Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah.” 2 Samuel 8:6,9-12
King David had many noble aspirations, and one in which the Lord gave him great success was warfare, securing and establishing Israel. As remarkable a military leader as David was, he held accolades loosely, and offered honor and rewards received back to the Lord his God, Whom he deemed worthy of the praise. He himself was merely a man used of Almighty God to achieve His ordained ends. “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. All things come from you.” (1 Chronicles 29:11-14)
Are we this caught up in Him and His providential purposes here on earth? How do we view our belongings, our resources? Is there any attention or recognition we foster, any compliment we secretly treasure? Do we take up our baton of warfare, our basket of goods, our bag of tricks, our energy and talents and lungs full of breath, and head out daily to do our will? Or are we surrendered to the Master’s plans, forging forward in His assigned steps, malleable as instruments in His hands, deflecting any notice or reward back to Him? The secret to David’s victories was the One Who brought those victories; he knew it, and would boldly proclaim it.
What defines our kingdom, our castle, our calendar? When we begin the day reviewing all that is before us, then acknowledge all for which we are merely stewards and entrust it to the Lord’s care and authority, we can march forth on mission for the King of kings, free of self-interest or personal agenda. There is such joy in following His lead, doing His work, enjoying His spoils by spreading His praise. His grace always abounds to us so we can do His will wholeheartedly, for His pleasure, and we can never outgive Him. (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Philippians 2:13)
Father, worthy Owner of all, I open my hands to You, and dedicate my time, my will, my efforts. From You, through You, and to You are all things. To You be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)
As the rain and snow 