THE SECRET OF DAVID’S SUCCESS
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- Jun 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Today’s Reading:
Samuel 16:1-13
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him amid his brothers, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward”. (v.13)
The definition and measure of “success” differ from one to another person. Also, the worldly and spiritual perspectives differ. In the circular world, success is viewed by some as achievement, attainment of wealth, influence, flourishing, prosperity, etc. Spiritual success is said not to be about what we do or possess or accumulate, but it is about who we are in character, integrity and faith. It can be measured by qualities such as discipline, humility, loyalty, love, etc which are essentially related to the fruit of the Holy Spirit. A spiritually successful person is said to have achieved a sense of inner peace, purpose and fulfilment through spiritual practices. There are no debates as to the source of a person’s success. It is either from God when it is spiritual or from the world, which includes fellow human beings, the devil and his agents. The scripture recorded many successful men and women, including Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David, Old Testament prophets, and women like Esther. Also, many New Testament Apostles and believers. In general, the secret of their successes was based on obedience, fear of God, generosity, and humility.
In the specific case of David, the celebrated anointed king of Israel, the secret of his success was based on the Anointing – the Holy Spirit of God. In verse 13, we read that when David was anointed with oil by Samuel the prophet, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward. It is interesting to note that, unlike some others upon whom the Spirit came in the Old Testament days for example Saul, Stephen, and so on, the Spirit was never lifted or departed from David. Rather, it is said that it came and remained upon him from that day forward. The implication is that, whenever the Spirit departed from those examples, they fell into errors, and mistakes or became powerless, for example, Saul.
Unlike these men, the anointing that brought the Spirit upon David remained to do his work in his life which cumulated in his success in life, both as a shepherd and king. The Spirit manifested his power and great roles in the life of David. He taught, helped, instructed, guided, and gave wisdom, and knowledge to him in his life. He essentially manifested the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) in David’s life. No wonder, he was very successful!
David, in his dealings with God and towards fellow mankind, exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit. David was a very joyous, thankful and appreciative soul throughout his life, evident from his many written Psalms. He was very thankful and appreciative of God’s huge blessings, kindness, show of love toward him. Never took anything or anyone for granted.
He was humble, almost to a fault. This was generally shown in his interactions with his low-profile warrior gang members and his subjects, before and after he became king. He danced before God, and in the presence and gaze of his subjects, to the extent that his wife mocked and humiliated him.
He was very loving, kind, patient, compassionate and peaceful, despite being a great warrior, right from his youth. He wasn’t a brutal or heartless man. He forgave Abigail’s husband who wronged him.
He was a forgiving soul indeed. When Absalom his son plotted and over-threw him, he almost immediately forgave him and sought protection for him from his army (2 Sam. 18:5). Since David appreciated forgiveness, whenever he sinned to God, he quickly accepted his faults, acknowledged them, was sober and repentant, humbling asking God for forgiveness.
David was very generous, faithful and loyal to God. He wanted to build a house – a temple for God, asking how could he live in a beautiful palace when the Ark of God was in a small hired place. Though God asked him not to build for him because of the much blood on his hands as a warrior, he went ahead to provide all that would be needed to build the temple by his son - Solomon.
In 2 Sam. 24:24, David said he could not offer a burnt offering to the Lord his God which did not cost him anything. He paid in full - fifty shekels of silver, for the offering he gave God. It is not surprising that God said of David, “This is a man after my own heart”! (Acts 13:22). This is because he did whatever God asked him to do, he was very loyal and obedient. As believers, we ought to tap into David’s secret of success – the anointing of the Holy Spirit for our spiritual success in life.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You, I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord”.
Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend priest or pastor.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for the provision of the Holy Spirit whom you give to ensure the success of our spiritual walk with you.
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us a good example of reliance on the anointing of the Holy Spirit for spiritual success in life.
Holy Spirit, please grow and manifest Your fruit in our lives, so that like David, we will be successful in life.
Father, please lead the church to encourage believers to desire the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, so that the world around them will be influenced for good.
Father, may our nation be directed by the power of the anointing through
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