by Arthelo Palma
2 Samuel 8
Let us try to look at the bottom line. What gives you
strength or confidence to do well in whatever you do? And one more thing, to
whom do you most probably dedicate it? Finally, are those making you succeed, which you relied on, sustainable enough?
We might think we have been successful in SOME (which means
not all) aspects of life - perhaps either in financial, physical, intellectual,
social, emotional, spiritual or some combinations. Now think again. Do we really have them all?
Even the richest (financially) man on earth still needs to be successful in the other sides of life. What do you think is the reason why until now some of us have not
been successful in conquering their emotions even though they might have been
blessed with intellect or physical attractiveness? Why do you think there is
still void or emptiness inside for some of us even though we all have the financial freedom?
Why others remain having no pure joy even though it has been a long while they are serving the Lord? There are many questions we need to ask ourselves as far as there are many things to do if we want to live a life with pure real joy that truly comes from God.
We need to inquire these questions, but we should not fail to spot ourselves and ask, “Do I always have time dedicating to the Lord everything I
have and got hold of?”
We know from our previous meditations that David was pure in
heart and consistent in obeying the Lord, which led him to victory. However, there is another point we need to learn behind his triumph, which God reveals based on today's reading.
David dedicated to the Lord the precious things he acquired from
all the battles he won (verse 11), which was a perfect manifestation of
humility and reverence before the Lord.
Are we dedicating to the Lord our skills, strengths, talents
and whatever achievements or accomplishments we have, or are we receiving all
glory and honor while believing that our own capacity brings us to where we are now?
If we are so self-centered, then we should not be amazed why we have been struggling hard enough
with the pride of life, which leads us to a highly complicated living with absolute
absence of indisputable joy that comes from God.
I tell you. Your strength comes from God, even the wisdom or
knowledge we acquire, and even all the material possessions we have, which requires us to bring all glory
and honor and give back to Him alone.
Our God is an all-knowing God. He blessed David because He
knew his heart. He gave David victory because He knew his heart and it was
committed to give Him genuine praise and worship. As a result, David’s
confidence was remarkable, heading him to victory over his battles with his
enemies because he was able to set everything for God’s glory.
God’s message:
The Lord gives amazing victory to those who dedicate their
success to Him.
God’s promise:
God wants to give victory to those who want to please Him by
giving back the glory and honor to Him.
God’s command:
Please the Lord at all times by doing exactly what He would
want us to do for His glory and honor.
God’s warning:
Never take the glory and honor from all success and victory
we might have got into for they belong to the Lord alone. Live a life that is entirely free from the bondage of pride.
Application:
Learn to always dedicate all things to the Lord especially those what we obtained or might have acquired for now.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and
the powerful Living God, thank You for making us worthy to receive Your Word
today. In hearing Your Word, bless our heart that You will destroy everything
that will hinder us from listening to Your voice. We renounce them all in the
name of Your Son Jesus. Thank You Lord
for helping us destroy the pride of life that is detestable before You. Many
people are suffering and living a tormented life because of pride. Help them
Father. As we heard Your Word today, harden not our heart. Help us make it a
lifestyle that at all times, we will dedicate our accomplishments to You for
Your glory and honor. This we ask and pray, in the name of Jesus Christ! Amen!
