David's Sense of Destiny

Leadership: Larry Thomas
Friday, May 20, 2005

From the Psalms David revealed a strong sense of personal destiny. This is illustrated in two sets of imagery - David the Warrior and David the King.

God revealed himself to David in military terms. Warrior and battle language in David's heart talk include refuge, rock, shield, and stronghold. The God of Israel made David a successful warrior. Psalm 18 gives us several examples of this military expression connecting David to God. In this song, David says that God trains him for battle (v.34), arms him with strength (v. 39), and exalts him above his enemies (v.48) by allowing him to rout those who oppose him (v.40). David viewed his successes as a soldier as clear affirmation of God's favor.

David's claim as "God's anointed" reflects his sense of connection to God more than any other phrase. David was convinced that he was king because God wanted him to be king. His position of authority over Israel represented a personal favor to him by God because the Lord liked David. "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."

David treasured his position at God's "right hand." This was recognized by Eastern rulers of the time as a position of prestige and power. David's position at God's right hand secured him an audience with God almighty, and subsequently, they sought out David because he occupied this position of importance with the God of the universe. David delighted himself in the presence of God, however he did not take this relationship for granted, but he used it to exalt and praise, to petition, and to receive instructions.

We can learn much from David's "Sense of Destiny." God still shapes leaders' hearts with a sense of destiny. We have a place and a role assigned by God in His work on the planet during our lifetimes. God's leaders also carry a sense of legacy. They are convinced that God is working through them to influence the generations following them.

To the degree that Christian leaders nurture their communion with God, they keep sight of the best contributions they can make. If the communion suffers, the mission of the leader is placed in jeopardy, in danger of being lost to trivialities or distraction.

Our sense of mission is not a matter of pride, but a point of privilege and responsibility. If our hearts remain in communion with God, then humility graces our lives. We must maintain an absolute awareness that we owe our leadership role to God. We are leaders by the design and pleasure of God Almighty.

Remember, to be more in love with Jesus today than when we first met him, he must be Lord of our destiny, not just Lord for today. Finish well.