David’s Lows

David is often admired, and rightly so. He was an incredible man of God. When we think about David’s victories, though, we can easily believe that his successes were quickly reached and far outweighed his difficult times. But recently, when I reread David’s story, I was deeply touched by the trials he went through before he became king and how similar his waiting period is to the time of life many of us are going through.

God promised David the kingdom and called him to rule Israel. But when David was hiding in a deep, dark cave with Saul seeking his life, David must have gone through much doubt. The vagabond who held the lowest place in Israel, always on the run, a poor and wanted man who was rejected, betrayed, and had numerous enemies–who would think he could become king? It seemed impossible.

Perhaps it was easier for David to have faith when he was favored at Saul’s court. But there, in the cave, how and when could God do it? Yet in due time, David’s faith became sight as he was crowned king of Israel, and each and every promise of God proved steadfast.

I hope this verse, written by David himself, will encourage you when you walk through life’s caves.

Psalm 27:13-14

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord!“