SHEPHERD TO KING, WORSHIP GOT HIM EVERYTHING!

King David sinned gravely but along with his 'contrasts', he was single-mindedly committed to God! 

The key to greatness was the quality of his worship. When he was yet a mere shepherd, his heart was totally focused on God. God anointed him to be king even whilst he was just a shepherd boy! David was a great warrior and king and as long as his mind was fully stayed on the Lord, God blest him plentifully.

King David's Strengths:

- David was courageous and strong in battle, trusting in God for protection.

- He was loyal to Saul, despite Saul's crazed pursuit of him.

- David loved God deeply throughout his entire life.

King David's story runs from 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2. David wrote much of the book of Psalms and is also mentioned in Matthew 1:1, 6, 22, 43-45; Luke 1:32; Acts 13:22; Romans 1:3; and Hebrews 11:32.

The praise and worship practices of David's time included numerous musical instruments, singing, chanting, shouting, bowing, standing, lifting of hands, clapping of hands, processions and dancing. There were times of great joy, as well as moments of repentance and introspection.

A few scripture references out of many that touched my heart are: 

1 Samuel 16:7 

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 

1 Samuel 30:6 

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. 

Psalm 23:6 

Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. 

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THE DOWNSIDE:

King David was a great military conqueror, but he could not conquer himself! 

He allowed one night of lust with Bathsheba to open the doors to disastrous consequences in his life. Although King David's life was a rough ride, he left us an example of passionate love of God and dozens of psalms, some of the most touching, beautiful poetry ever written.