{ Day 253 }

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. —Psalm 86:2-4

Like Jesus many years later, David was born in Bethlehem, the youngest of eight sons of Jesse and the lowest in rank and privilege in the family structure. In his early years, he became a shepherd. David lived for several years in what amounted to solitary confinement in a desert environment. His flock was small, so he was the only one needed to do the tiresome work (1 Sam. 17:28). He was very much alone in harsh terrain. You have to wonder what God saw in David that He didn’t see in his brothers, who are little known except as scoffers. The key is in these Bethlehem years. David was too young to have done anything extraordinary. He hadn’t cast out demons, healed the sick, or preached anointed sermons. His great exploits all lay in the future. We might think of him as a gas station attendant or a janitor. His life was filled with menial tasks nobody wanted to do, yet he did them with a spirit of devotion toward the Lord. That was David’s first victory. He had a heart that sought God when seeking God seemed the least obvious thing to do.

{ PRAYER STARTER }

Father, I often wonder what You saw in me that qualified me for Your work of grace and gift of righteousness. I devote my life to You, and say yes to whatever You desire for me to do. I love You with my whole heart.

David had a yes in his spirit, even
in his routine, boring job.