Read 1 Chronicles 18:1-17
David can’t lose with God by his side. The military victories continue to add up. For each battle, there are casualties. It’s easy to read passages like this and forget that real people shed their blood for these victories to happen.
Some people avoid reading the Old Testament because of all the wars and killing. God had a purpose in all David’s victories, even if we have a hard time understanding. It’s good for us to remember that not every war ever fought was led by God. When God leads us, who are we to question what tactic he uses?
I may be overthinking this a bit, but digging into Scripture is what God wants us to do. If we have questions, we need not be afraid to ask for understanding. Too many people just avoid something that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Do you find it hard to cheer along with David and his men for all these victories? It helps to remember that God had a plan. It appears God wanted David to be a successful leader in honor of David’s divine devotion. Twice in this reading we see this statement: “The Lord made David victorious wherever he went.”
Do you think David was ever surprised when God delivered him a victory? I certainly appreciate when God gives me the victory over something I have been struggling with.
Aside from the thrill of victory and the growing popularity, David was presented with many physical rewards like tribute money, spoils of war, and also gifts of thanks from neighboring lands. The success and gifts had to be quite overwhelming to David, this man of God. Can you even imagine?
Thankfully, David didn’t hoard all these gifts. He was extremely generous and “dedicated all these gifts to the Lord.” I thought it was a cool little “fun fact” that some of the bronze received was eventually made part of the temple Solomon later built.
When you think of “victory,” what comes to mind for you? We can have victory over many things with God’s help. I can think of a few that I have had or those in my close friends and family. Such things as victory over addiction, illness, school achievements, depression, self-worth issues, bullies, finances, etc. The key is having God as our helper and guide.
Our biggest victory by far is Jesus’ victory for us over sin and death. That is a victory we can celebrate and give thanks and praise for every moment of every day. Take time today to give thanks for that victory and let God know how it has changed your life.
Let’s pray. Lord, I am so honored to be your child. You have created such a beautiful world for me to live in. Your majesty astounds me. I am so grateful for your love and the opportunity to reflect you in this world. These are dark days, but because of the victory you won for me I can confidently face anything. Fill me anew with your Spirit and lead my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
