4.Where did David Worship?

David’s life reveals someone who worshipped God in many ways. Here are some of the different places and moments he lifted God up.

1. In the fields

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4).

David wrote Psalms, or songs to God, as he tended sheep in the fields. Though it was dusty and lonely work, shepherding allowed David to take in and appreciate the nature God had created. His writing expresses his awe and gratitude for God’s provision.

Most of us don’t work in the fields, and our pace of life is faster and more crowded. But can we become more aware of God’s presence, and praise Him during our day, wherever we happen to be?

2. In Saul’s court

“And David came to Saul and entered his service. And Saul loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, ‘Let David remain in my service, for he has found favor in my sight.’ And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him” (1 Samuel 16:21-23).

David became known for his musical skills as well as his moral character, and both came into play when he started serving in Saul’s court. As David used his God-given gifts, Saul’s spirit was calmed, and his heart was turned more toward the Lord.

While we may not all have musical gifts, God has given each of us talents of some kind. Are we willing to let God work through those talents to make others more aware of His healing power and goodness?

3. During the Battle

“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.’” (1 Samuel 17:42-47)

David probably didn’t expect he’d ever have to face a giant like Goliath. But when given the chance, he gladly stepped up. Not only did he fight him, but he took the opportunity to declare God’s power to all who were gathered there. His victory was a testimony to both the Israelites and the Philistines.

The giants we face aren’t usually soldiers. But challenges come at us in all areas of life, and some of them can feel overwhelming. Though our struggles are real and sometimes scary, can we also use them as opportunities to tell others about our amazing God?

We Can Try Some of David’s Worshipful Actions
In 1 Chronicles 16, David gives instructions to Asaph and his associates on how to praise the Lord. This passage is full of what I call “worship verbs,” or actions that David believed could bring honor to God. I found this passage to be a great jumpstart for my times of both corporate and individual worship. This is just a small list of ideas David puts forth:

-Give Praise
-Proclaim his name
-Sing to him
-Remember the wonders he has done
-Declare his glory among the nations
-Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength
-Give thanks to the Lord
-Cry out “Save us, God our Savior”

Everything David thought, felt and did was motivated by a desire to give glory to his Heavenly Father. For him, worship was a natural reflex, and in a way, as vital as breathing. I’m so glad for King David’s example that can help all of us grow in both our worship and faith lives.