THE GREATEST PERSONAL JOURNAL
David was a common shepherd boy, anointed by Samuel and appointed by God to become one of Israel’s greatest kings—a Warrior-King. As Israel’s anointed leader, David ruled God’s chosen people, led their armies, and was Commander-in-Chief of their generals. Although he possessed a wise and noble character, he was not immune to the attack of Satan. David…slayer of giants, of lions and bears, was deceived by sin through the temptation of the flesh. He contrived to cover his sin but the faithful prophet exposed his condition. David repented and triumphed again because of one governing principle—he loved God more than he loved anything else. Love for God brought David back to repentance after this miserable failure.
This fierce Warrior-King possessed an awe-inspiring attachment to all things pertaining to his God. His love for God following his transgression and God’s compassionate love for David, worked in him tenderness and gentleness that defined the character of this celebrated king.
David loved God’s people and fought for God's honor with tenacity and determination. So great was his respect for God that he could not harm Saul, the man God had once chosen as a leader. If God had ever touched a man with his anointing, who was he to contradict God’s judgment, even though the man had failed? Instead, David showed mercy to a deceitful enemy and a loved but rebellious son. Deeply sensitive in his attitude toward God, David was always a man of humility, a faithful and trustworthy friend, a loyal patriot, a tender father with a gentle heart.
Deserted and driven into exile, David remained valiant in spirit, encouraging himself in the Lord when there was no one left to comfort him. He endured hardship and deprivation and survived war and personal tragedy, family estrangements and the torments of betrayal. Throughout his life; the battles won and lost, through triumph and tragedy, success and failure, David’s love for God never wavered and has earned him a place in Biblical history as Israel’s greatest king; a man who would not let go of God. Written within the pages of David’s psalms is his life story, his own journal, a legacy to us, the reader.
In his youth, the natural beauty of the heavens and all of God’s creation inspired this shepherd boy to write poetry and descriptive verse that expressed his passion for God and all creation. To his verse, he added music and song. In this personal writing, he wrote of his battles and the treachery of his enemies, of his perplexities, and even his wrath and envy. But more often, David wrote of the overcoming power of his God, of the Lord’s mercy and personal love to him, David. His praise of God is the prevalent theme of his poetry. Today we hold in our hands the poetry and songs of David, his musings, his reflections, his hopes and dreams, in effect, his personal journal, inspired of God and miraculously preserved down through the ages. It is an awesome and moving collection of writing. A five star read.
©2013RuthCarmichaelEllinger
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