2 Chronicles 16:9

1 Samuel 17 – Who Wants To Be Like David?

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Have you ever encountered someone who was so different from those around them, they stood out in a powerful and positive way? The kind of someone whose confidence and courage caused you to desire to be more like them? The kind of individual that caused you to realize how much more your life could be?

This is how I feel when I read about David in 1 Samuel chapter 17. There is something about David’s simple and sincere approach to things..whether taking care of sheep or taking care of a giant…that makes me wish I were more like him and less like Saul.

What are the differences?

  • David went immediately to the front lines, while Saul stayed back behind the lines. (1 Samuel 17:22,31.)
  • David said “don’t worry,” while Saul was scared. (1 Samuel 17:11,32.)
  • David was willing to go to battle himself, while Saul was trying to find someone to go for him. (1 Samuel 17:25.)
  • David remembered God’s faithful intervention in the past, while Saul forgot it. (1 Samuel 14:20-23 and 1 Samuel 15:7-8.)
  • David saw things in terms of their effect on God and His glory, while Saul saw things in terms of their effect on Saul and his glory.

Though he wasn’t “officially” the king, David carried and conducted himself as a king. Why? Because he had an internal strength of character that came from focusing on God and submitting to Him. This thrills the heart of God and leads Him to respond. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

Who wants to be like David? I do! How about you?

1 Samuel 16 – People Are Like a Box of Chocolates

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I’m not a fan of those variety boxes of chocolates. They leave you to guess about what might be lurking inside each piece. You can pick one that looks good, only to discover some not-so-good stuff inside. Or, you can pass over a piece, until it’s the last piece in the box, only to find out it was pretty good.

This is a picture of 1 Samuel chapter 16. It’s a reminder that people come in different shapes, sizes, and appearances, but what matters most is what’s on the inside…their heart, intentions, and desires.

Only God can truly know a person’s heart.

2 Chronicles 16:9 tells us God is continually searching for a heart that’s fully committed to Him. That’s how God knew His next king would be found in Bethlehem, in Jesse’s family.

God saw David’s heart. Not his skill, his boldness, his track record, or his attractiveness. Those are things world sees. (1 Samuel 16:6,18) But it was David’s heart that caused the Holy Spirit to move on him (1 Samuel 16:13) just as it was Saul’s heart that caused the Holy Spirit to move away from him. (1 Samuel 16:14)

If we want God to use us in powerful ways, the key is not our appearance, skill, ability, or activity. It’s keeping a heart that’s humbly and consistently committed to Him.

To borrow from Forrest Gump… People are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you might get. But God knows, because He knows the heart. How’s your heart today?