David was Israel’s king, but before that, he was the family shepherd. This task fell to him as the youngest son. This meant that David was by himself for days or weeks at a time. To occupy himself, he learned to play a musical instrument, and become skillful with a stone and sling. The Bible also makes it clear that David wrote songs or psalms to God. He had to be brave in order to face the uncertainty of attacks or inclement weather while away from the family.
These facts about young David are vital in understanding a close personal relationship with the godhead. David gave himself to know God. He spent countless hours talking to him, singing songs to him, and drawing close to him.
This routine went on for several years, allowing David to grow in experience as a protector of the sheep and skillful musician. In his isolation he grew closer to his God—not farther away, becoming more confident in God’s ability to both protect and provide.
God brings a prophet into David’s life who speaks powerful things over him. David returns to his routine of tending to the sheep and drawing close to God. Somewhere between one and four years later it appears the things spoken over him are about to happen. David is given a position in the palace of the King of Israel.
It appears that his life is heading upward when the king attempts to take his life. For approximately the next dozen years, he is on the run, a fugitive of his own country. In spite of everything, David does not lose sight of his relationship with his God. In many small ways, God shows up in David’s life both providing protection, provision, and promotion—even though it is with an enemy clan.
Evidently, the words spoken by the prophet come to pass in David’s life.
A close personal relationship with the godhead will be one of isolation. This isolation will try one’s soul. David grew close to God, but he could have just as easily grown farther away from him. David chose to believe that he could trust God; the ensuing years proved him correct.
A close personal relationship with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is a long-term commitment rather than a short-term necessity. Many get lost in the duration of time involved in this step; hence growing farther away from God.
God will reveal his purpose during this time of isolation.
This too is another long-term commitment as is evident in David’s life. Patience is a lost art in our post-modern way of life. This is the second area where people get lost. It isn’t enough to endure the heartache and isolation of the first step, you must also settle your heart that more waiting is required.
David finally sees good things happening in his life. This is the third step in a close personal relationship with the godhead. Some “good” things happen, allowing for a brief time of refreshing. This is followed by more isolation and heartache, which also trips up many. This is where the long-term commitment must be clearly in focus.
The Apostle Paul in the New Testament told his protégé’, Timothy, to suck it up (Evans translation) when things got hard. God is in charge, and when you have surrendered your heart and life to him, he will take care of you no matter what comes your way. Hardship is a part of life—even post-modern life. In one place in the New Testament, Jesus tells his followers that the one who sticks it out to the end (Evans translation) is the one who will experience the fullness of the Father’s promise.
A close personal relationship with the godhead is not a walk-in park, a life of sunshine and lollipops, or everything coming up roses; no, it is about enduring—sticking it out until the end.
To be sure, there will be some incredible experiences along the way. David killed a bear and a lion while protecting the sheep, Later he slew a giant attempting to defy his God and his people. In my own life, twice I have been close enough to God to touch him, and seen incredible sights along the way.
The journey is an unexpected one. Some have even asked if it is worth it? The answer—even after enduring all the “stuff,” is oh yes!