In 1 Samuel 16 we find the story of David being anointed to be king. Can you imagine the excitement that entered David? He went from being the forgotten one in the field to the chosen one anointed to be king. I’m sure he could barely contain himself. What he didn’t know is there was a delay from the promise to the position.
After Samuel anointed David, there was a significant delay, approximately 12 years, before David officially became king. David was anointed as a future king, but he then faced a period of trials and preparation, including time as a shepherd, a warrior, and a fugitive during King Saul’s reign. It was only after Saul’s death that David was first made king over the tribe of Judah, and then later over all of Israel.
While he was a fugitive, avoiding Saul and the attempts on his life, he found himself living in Ziklag. Ziklag at the time was in possession of Achish the philistine king of Gath. Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day: wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of Judah unto this day (1 Samuel 27:6 KJV).
It is interesting that he gave Ziklag to David. David was of the tribe of Judah. What makes it interesting is what we read in the book of Joshua when the promised land was being divided up.
Joshua 15:20 KJV This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families. The list begins then we reach verse 31 and Ziklag is in the list.
David was living in the promised land and not in the promised position of king. David faced one of his greatest trials here. He loses everything. Not only does he lose everything, but his soldiers do too. This is where we find the popular verse David encouraged himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6 KJV).
What encouragement we can get from this moment. Can I propose to you that this was not the first time that David encouraged himself in the Lord. He encouraged himself when he was in the field tending sheep forgotten by his family. He encouraged himself after being anointed king and waited years to receive the promise. He encouraged himself with every set back that came that seemed to push him further away from the promise. You see David had a habit of encouraging himself in the Lord.
Yes, David got discouraged, he felt neglected, forgotten, unappreciated and sometimes even alone. He learned to make God his refuge and help. He learned to trust in spite of the circumstances.
If you have received a promise and it has taken a long time. If it seems like you’re further away from the promise than when you received the promise. Then know that you’re in good company. Abraham, Sarah, Joseph, David all had to wait on the promise. All saw the circumstances get worse before they got better. Encourage yourself in this, he is faithful that promised (Hebrews 10:23 KJV). Hold onto your promise until God puts you in the position.
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV 1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Romans 15:13 KJV Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.