“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV

 

These words of David make sense when we read about the next phase of David’s life. We have heard that David was anointed to be the next king of Israel when he was still a young boy. But he had to wait another 20 years before his destiny as a king would unfold in front of the nation of Israel. In this interim period, David had to attend the school of life.

 

God had worked it so that David would become King Saul’s musician, playing soothing flute music when the dark moods arrived that troubled Saul. Later, he would be promoted to be King Saul’s personal armour-bearer. After he had slain Goliath, the legend of David’s heroics started to spread through the nation. One day, King Saul heard the women of Israel singing: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:7). This song of joy stirred the green monster in Saul, he became intensely jealous of David’s successes. He started to fear David’s influence, in verse 8 he lamented, “What more can he get but the kingdom?” He felt threatened by David’s success. If he only knew that David was already anointed as the next king in God’s eyes, he would have completely lost it there and then. As it was, he began to hate David, and began plotting to kill him.

 

In those times, David did nothing wrong. He only tried to serve his king with loyalty as best as he could. He would sometimes have to flee for his life, when Saul tried to spear him. He was in a position to kill Saul more than once, and then he showed mercy by just cutting a piece of his robe (1 Samuel 24:5). What we learn here from David’s life is that the right path in life is not always an easy journey. Life can be cruel and unfair, and troubles do not stay away just because you are trying to do the right thing.

 

But God works everything for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). He used the trouble and challenges to form David’s character. David found that God guided him, even through the dark times in his life. He did not have to fear, he found God stayed in control. It takes faith to trust the Lord when it seems that the storms of life are overwhelming. But real peace conquers all fear when we can say: I am safe in your hands!

 

Prayer: Lord, my life does not always make sense to me. I don’t understand everything that has come over my path in my journey of life. But I trust you, Lord, and I follow where you lead me. You are my Good Shepherd, in your hands I feel safe. Amen.