1 Chronicles 14

“So David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, for his kingdom was highly exalted for the sake of His people Israel.” (1 Chronicles 14:2, NKJV)

While David was just a boy, watching his father’s sheep, the LORD began to prepare him. He gave David a heart of worship. As David looked up at the stars in the night, the LORD caused him to wonder.

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (Psalm 8:3–4, NLT)

When a bear or lion would attack the flock, David took a club and beat the beast over the head and rescued the lamb from its jaws. The LORD was teaching David to fight. He was building David’s confidence in Him. When David was on the run from King Saul for at least ten years, hiding in caves and even among the Philistines, God was teaching him to trust in the LORD with all his heart.

Now God had established David as king over all Israel. His kingdom was highly exalted. God granted him victory wherever he went, and all the nations feared him. But what was the purpose of all this? David knew that it wasn’t because of his greatness. It wasn’t because he was better than others. It was because of God’s love for His people Israel. The LORD sought a man who would have His heart for them, and He found this in David. Therefore, in His gentleness and grace, God made David great. He gave David a name that is mentioned more than any other name in the Bible (9,094 times).

If God begins to use us and expand our influence, we must never think that it is because we are great or that we are better than others. If we do, then we will be disqualified. It is only because God is gracious. He saves sinners like us and uses us to bless others because He loves them, and He wants them to know Him. Pray that God will make and keep you usable so that you may serve Him well!