The Lord Prospers David the Prayer Warrior

I Chron. 14:1-17

“So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him” (17).

Lord, turn my eyes from worthless things; renew my life according to your word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Already, we have been studying how God built up David’s kingdom moving the hearts of so many mighty warriors to come to his side. There was great joy as the people celebrated David’s kingship. Although there was one tragedy as they brought the ark back. But overall David was seeking God at every turn. Today’s passage is about God who blessed David the prayer warrior.

First, Hiram the king of Tyre supported David’s kingship. Hiram was a good friend to David. As a gesture of good will, he sent cedar logs, stonemasons and carpenters to help build a palace for him. What a gesture of support! This was one more sign that God was pleased with having David king over Israel. David knew that the Lord had done this. He was mindful of God’s hand in all these events and that this was for the sake of his people Israel (2). He knew that the Lord wanted him to be a shepherd for his people, not an egomaniac like Saul. David is quite different from Saul in this regard. When we are victorious and blessed it is time to thank God. It is important to acknowledge God in all my ways and give thanks to him (Prov. 3:5,6; 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Also, it is important to see God’s blessing is given so that I may be a blessing. All the more, I must learn to be a giving person in the time of success. Why is God blessing me? It is to be a shepherd and a servant for his people. Ultimately, it is to be a world mission coworker.

(Note: In vs. 3-5, David took more wives and had more sons and daughters. Taking more wives may or may not have been a good idea but we know that having many sons and daughters means sibling rivalry. Later, this eventually resulted in tragedy when Amnon raped his sister and Absalom killed him. Perhaps, taking more wives represents sowing to please the flesh. One might say that David was sowing seeds that would bear bad fruit later on.) 

Second, David’s spiritual battles. “When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over all Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went out to meet them” (8). The Philistines could see that David was going to be a great threat to them. They were stirred up and went to look for him. But behind the Philistines is the work of Satan. Satan is always jealous of the work of God and stirs up trouble when God works. What did David do? He did not sit back. He went out to meet them. He confronted his enemies head on. He went on the offensive. It is said that the best defense is a good offense. David is a wise general. But more than this, David was a spiritual general. He inquired of the Lord before confronting the Philistines. 

Each time he faced a battle, David inquired of the Lord and God gave him victory (10, 14). This shows me that David was much more than a warrior; he was a prayer warrior. Prayer is the real clout of God’s people. Prayer is our weapon against the devil. Prayer is dependence on God for victory. When we pray, we are saying to God, “God, I can’t do this alone. I need your help.” God is pleased as we depend on Him. David knew that he could not depend on his previous battle experience. He depended on God for victory. Then God gave David strategies for victory when he prayed. He is a spiritual warrior.

“So David’s fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made all the nations fear him” (17). David’s fame spread and the Lord was glorified in his victories. God was working to make an environment for the kingdom. God is also working as we pray but our prayers should be aimed at expanding God’s kingdom not our own small kingdom. Then God will also give success in our personal lives and ministries. I am reminded of the Lord ’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come.” I must stay focused on expanding the territory of God’s kingdom in my heart, my family and my ministry. I must keep the focus on the kingdom of God, not merely my success. This is the secret to all success: “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…” (Mt 6:33).

Lord, help me to depend on you for victory in every area of life. May your kingdom come and your will be done in my life. Help me to gain the victory in leading my family, doing the work you have given me in HQ and in ministering to others. Help me to be a prayer warrior who is focused on your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

One Word:  Victory comes from God!