David: A shepherd protects and mourns

A good shepherd will protect his people. His love for the people will remain steadfast even when they lose it, are in despair, or out of control. This is not easy to do, yet we see over and over that David does this for King Saul, his mighty men, and the nation of Israel. His love remained steadfast for King Saul even after he died. 

I find myself asking, Are you willing to keep loving and protecting the ones you are called to serve even when it hurts? There will always be moments where will be hurt by others. Most of us will never face what David did with Saul throwing spears at him. I realize that a hurt from casual words seems silly to make a fuss about when I read stories like David loving Saul. 

This section shows us the depth of David's steadfastness. I am praying for steadfast love. How about you?

You can listen to the story here.

David: A shepherd protects and mourns

David: A shepherd boy becomes a shepherd warrior

What can turn a simple shepherd boy into a shepherd warrior? 

As you listen to today's story about David notice how it is the determination in his heart to protect the honor of the living God. 

When we determine in our hearts to do something this is when we see big dividens. For David, it was his deep abiding love for the living God. All those years worshipping Him on the hills surrounding Bethlehem developed an internal strength that defies logic.

Does your belief in God give you an internal strength that defies logic? 

I often pray and tell God that I want to believe that I do, but in the face of a giant, how might I truly behave? At times, I do not know that I would be so strong, but other times I am certain I would be because I truly trust God. This is okay. Because one thing I have learned over the years, when I am weak, He truly is strong (2 Cor. 22:8-11).

Our giants aren't a physical Goliath. They come in the form of obstacles or struggles like illness, relationships, finances, natural disasters... In all of these, my God has proven faithful! He slayed my Goliaths. So, we may feel like a shepherd boy/girl, but in Him we are shepherd warriors! Amen! 

You can listen to the true story here:

David: A shepherd boy becomes a shepherd warrior