Whenever I come across what is good and successful, I want to examine it and understand what makes it so. I figure if I can understand what works well, I will be more apt to acquire the same skills for my own benefit.
As I come to the end of one of my favorite people of the Old Testament, I realize that David was a simple man with a simple plan. He did not overly complicate his life. In my opinion, he is one of the most successful men in the Bible. Much of his success is due, I believe, to the simplicity of his life’s plan and goals.
What did David want ? What was his goal in life? Did he want fame and fortune? Did he want adoration or reputation? Was he after power? Was it the kingdom that tantalized him?
Amazingly, God answers that question in Acts 13:22. It says, “I have found David son of Jesse a man after my own heart, he will do everything I want him to do.”
Those few words pack a real punch! For God Himself to testify with such confidence and affirmation about someone is mind-boggling. But it really explains a lot about David as you read about his life. He was approved by God and the people of his kingdom. Loved by all.
So what made him so great? Exactly how was he so successful? Yes, he was after God’s own heart but what does that actually mean?
As I read 1 Chronicles 22, I see what that looked like in David’s life as he lived it out. When David is in the process of stepping down from the throne and transferring the kingdom over to his son Solomon, we glimpse the simplicity of it all as he gives parting instructions for Solomon and the people. He assembles the people to listen to his last instructions.
If you were about to die, what would be your parting words? What would you want your loved ones to know the most, remember the longest? If it was all coming to an end, what would be so important to convey?
This monumental moment provided David with a sense of urgency. What he said was what he considered vital to the kingdom, to life, to faith…..and it came down to two things.
First, he says in 1 Chronicles 22:12-13, ” May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Isreal, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
So,what was key to success? To me, the “so that” gives the clue. David prayed for Solomon to have discretion and understanding but for what main reason? To keep the law of the LORD! Success was tied to obedience of what God has said and directed!
Secondly, 1 Chronicles 22:19 gives the next piece of parting advice from David. As Solomon was given the grand task of building the temple for God, David wanted to remind him and everyone what was even more glorious in purpose. “Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God.” David was a man after God’s own heart because he valued and pursued it! What David wanted the most is what he sought the most. He put feet to action.
David’s plan for life is what made him so successful. He did not seek riches, but he got them. He did not seek power, but he got it. He did not seek the kingdom, but he got that too.
What David wanted was God!! That is the secret to success in life! Pursue first things first.
Jesus echoes the same truth when he teaches in Matthew 6:33 to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, then He will give all the rest of what is needed as well.
I want to ask you what you are after in life? What are you seeking heart and soul for? We are all running hard after something, but we will not all be “successful “. David knew the secret and he summed it up well in one of his later Psalms. He said in Psalm 63:8 (KJV), “My soul follows hard after thee.”
Follow hard dear friends……follow hard.
