When we think of those from the Bible who faced persecution, we often think of Paul or Job. Let us remember King David and all that he faced for his faith.
David faced great trials for his faith; even after being anointed king, he was still on the run for his life. He hid in caves and was always hiding from King Saul.
A few things are worth studying in regards to how David, a man after God’s own heart, faced and dealt with persecution:
1. He found refuge in God. He poured out his heart to God and knew that his rest and peace would only be found in Him: (Psalm 142:1-2) With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord. I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him. Here, he is crying out in a cave to the only one who can redeem him.
2. With God’s strength, he persevered. In his diligent work, he worked faithfully. He worked to please God, and yet, due to his success, King Saul sinned in being jealous and angry. This led to Saul’s plan to kill David, and yet, David did not crumble. He remembered that God had called him, and he rested in that hope.
3. He saw trials as opportunities to strengthen his faith. David cries out in Psalm 69 for God to save him; he exclaims, “I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.” While may be an opportunity to doubt God and His goodness, David had the clarity to understand that seeming prosperity will fade in the end. He knew his God would prevail in the end.
We know the infamous Sunday school story of David and the Goliath. As a young shepherd, David brought down the great giant with just a sling and a stone. He is truly a biblical example of bravery and dependence on God!
Another beautiful connection that we have when it comes to the life of David is that the Savior, Jesus Christ, descended from the house of David. We are celebrating the hope that came from the darkness David faced in just a few weeks here in America. Jesus is the reason for this hopeful season.
