O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured. 2 He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty one of Jacob: 3 "I will not enter my house or go to my bed-- 4 I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids, 5 till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty one of Jacob." 6 We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar: 7 "Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool-- 8 arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. 9 May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy."

Of all the men and women of faith that we read about in God’s word, there is none that rises above King David. He was a man from very humble beginnings who rose to ruling the greatest nation of his time. He was totally determined and committed to serving his God. There was probably no one who faced more problems and suffering over his lifetime than David and yet he never wavered in his total trust in God. These verses reflect his attitude of seeking what would bring glory to God instead of what would elevate his standing among his peers. Too often today we want to know what is in it for us or how it will benefit us instead of how it will glorify God. If my constant attitude is to work for the glory of God then I can rest in the assurance that he will bless me and my actions. David could not rest at night because he was concerned about having a dwelling (temple) built for God. When was the last time we lost sleep because of our concern for the work of the Lord? We loose sleep trying to figure out how to get a new car or truck or how to get a bigger and nicer house or how to buy our kids those expensive clothes. We spend endless hours concerned about the future of sports teams or how we can be entertained. Many loose sleep over the political future of our country and spend a large part of each day working toward that end. This is not to say there is no value in any of these things but an effort to put our priorities in proper perspective. David put God first in his life when he was a young shepherd boy with not even a dream of becoming king. God blessed him beyond his wildest imagination. Yes, David was man who sinned at times and failed in his trust commitment but whose heart was right with God. His constant goal was to do that which would bring glory to God.

O God, please help me to incorporate into my life the faith of David. Give me strength to make you first in my life without concern for my future but only for what brings glory to you, to your name and to your cause. Use me to share the good news of your Son with those who do not know him. Make me an encourager. Forgive me when I fail. In Jesus I live and pray to you.

May God bless each of us as we commit our lives to his glory.