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Finally, after years of questions, doubts, victories, and defeats, David becomes king over all of Israel. This is a moment of personal victory and satisfaction, knowing what God promised has come to pass. The text does not mention a palace, throne, or any kind of pomp and circumstance. Those things will come later, but for now, David is focused on what is most important: the people. According to the text, David “made a covenant” with them. Biblically, a covenant is an arrangement of a relationship that sets the terms for how two people (or groups of people) will interact. This is significant because if David wants to lead the people, he must first pay attention to their needs and be in relationship with them. 

As we consider David’s story, I am struck by his care and attention for his people. Even in a moment of personal achievement and transition, he thinks about the people around him and how he will relate. It is worth considering our lives and how we act in times of transition and excitement. Whether it be a new job, home, town, or opportunity, we should consider how this change will impact the relational dynamic with those around us. Assess how the transitions you are going through impact your family, neighbors, colleagues, and friends. At the end of the day, it is our love for people that God cares about more. Never let your success distract you from your call to love those around you! 

For Today: Ask God for the eyes to see how well (or not well) you are loving others in this season.

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