Read the Bible in One Year: OT – 2 Samuel 3-5 NT – Luke 14:25-35
2 Samuel 5: 10 – And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.
God is with us empowering, guiding and strengthening us.
After being anointed as the ruler over all of Israel, David’s reign was marked by significant victories and expansion of his kingdom. Until now, only the tribes of Israel recognised him as king, while the other tribes recognised the son of Saul, Ishbosheth as king. Ishbosheth was murdered (2 Samuel 4) – so now the tribes turned to David. It is sad that the tribes only turned to David when their previous choice was taken away. Isn’t this similar to what we as Christians often do – we only recognise Jesus as King when other choices fail. Jesus should always be our first and outright option.
David took to the throne when he was 30 years old (2 Samuel 5:4) though Samuel had anointed him when he was a teenager. He reigned 40 years. His long years of preparation seem not too long compared to his reign. God uses great preparation when the task is great.
The Bible says David become more and more powerful and highlights the reason behind his increasing power: the presence of the Lord God Almighty with him. We often face various challenges and uncertainties. Sometimes, the weight of responsibilities and the pressures of the world can seem overwhelming. However, we find a profound truth that offers hope and strength in our journey of faith – the empowering presence of God in our lives, just as He was with King David.
The Bible consistently reveals that God’s presence was with His people. From the beginning of creation, God has sought to dwell among His beloved children. In the Garden of Eden, He walked with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). He led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). The Psalmist, in Psalm 23:4, testifies, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
God is with us:
In Times of Fear and Anxiety, God assures us of His presence and comfort (Philippians 4:6-7).
During Difficult Decisions, we can rely on God’s guidance. He promises to lead us on the right path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
In Loneliness and Isolation, God assures us that He is always with us, and we can find solace in His presence (Deuteronomy 31:6).
In Times of Sickness, God’s presence brings comfort and healing (Jeremiah 17:14)
In Our Weakness, when we feel inadequate, God’s presence empowers us to face challenges assuring us that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9).
During Times of Grief and loss, God offers His comfort and presence to bring healing (Psalm 34:18).
In Our Daily Work, we can find purpose in even the most mundane activities (Colossians 3:23).
In Our Relationships, His presence strengthens our relationships and helps us love one another (John 13:34).
During Times of Temptation, God’s presence helps us resist temptation and choose what is right (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In Our Prayers, when we pray, God is with us, listening and responding to our needs (1 John 5:14).
The same powerful God who was with David in his reign is also with us today. His presence is not limited to a specific time or location, but rather, it is an eternal promise for all who put their trust in Him. Let us take heart, knowing that the Lord God Almighty is with us on this journey of life. He is our Lighthouse, our ever-present help, our guide, and our source of empowerment. As we rely on His presence and trust in His unfailing love, we, too, will become more and more powerful in fulfilling His divine purposes for our lives. May we walk in the confidence that comes from having the Creator of the universe by our side, for there is nothing that can stand against us when God is with us. Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord, so may we wait upon the Lord.
Ponder
When you find yourself in a difficult situation, do you tend to seek strength and support from external sources or from within yourself? How might your experience change if you turned to God for strength during those times?
Are there areas of your life where you struggle to fully rely on God’s strength, choosing instead to rely on your own abilities or other people? How can you surrender those areas to God and seek His support?
Take a moment to reflect on the unchanging nature of God’s mercy and grace. How does this truth encourage you in your current circumstances and give you hope for the future?
Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.
Jesus reached out to everyone, breaking down social barriers. Let’s follow His example and extend compassion to those in need. How can you show compassion today?
In our spiritual journey, let’s be wary of prioritizing man-made traditions over God’s word. Jesus teaches us that authenticity and heart condition matter more than mere appearances.
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