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David was anointed as King of Israel by Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13) and is now anointed king over Judah, one of the 12 tribes. It would take another seven and a half years – and a lot more heartache and bloodshed – for David to become king over the rest of the nation. This must have been incredibly frustrating for David, yet what we understand from him in this passage is the correct response to waiting on the promises of the Lord. In a simple and understated way, he becomes the king of Judah, taking on the leadership of just one tribe. Rather than complaining or becoming resentful, he is faithful to the small things in anticipation of what is to come. 

Once again, David is instructive for us. Often, we have expectations about what life should look like. Sometimes these expectations were never promised to us by the Lord, and we should re-examine whether or not we have projected our desires and ambitions onto God. But when we know that God has called us to something and have confidence in His promises, we are put into the position of waiting on the Lord. Some think waiting on the Lord is a passive season where you hang out until God comes through. What we learn from David is that waiting on the Lord is an active season of being faithful to the assignment God has given us, as we wait for the assignment God has promised us next. I am reminded of the words of Jesus who said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10).

For Today: Recommit yourself to faithfulness to the current assignment God has for you. 

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