Your not so Average Devotional

Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson. I’ve seen a few of their productions over the years, and while Esther will likely always be my favorite, this year’s presentation of David was something special.  What made it even more meaningful was the season I found myself in—attending a church that was walking through the book of 1 Samuel. We were studying David’s story just as I was about to see it brought to life on stage. That kind of alignment is no coincidence; God has a way of weaving truth through different parts of our lives.  

One message from Pastor Rodney at Rooted Church in Carl Junction especially stood out. His sermon drew deep connections between David’s physical battles and our spiritual ones today:

• Your battle is no less real than David’s.
  (Even though he fought giants—which, by the way, are epic in the show!)
• Your enemy is no less tenacious than David’s.
  (We’re living in a world that is a battlefield—where lies keep coming back.)
• Your God is no less faithful than David’s.
  (Thankfully, God finishes what He starts.)

Pastor Rodney reminded us that just like David, we’ve been given “stones” for our battles—we just have to pick them up.  When I reflect on David’s life and the sermons I’ve heard, one theme keeps returning: strongholds. For some, that may be addiction. For others, lies or pride.  Often times we have to recognize  that God allows suffering—not because we’re being punished, but because we are being refined.

Pastor Rodney put it simply and beautifully:  “Even the most faithful grow weary.” And also shared that unfortunately “we are all prone to drift.”  That hit home. Like when I shared in an earlier blog about choosing happiness, choosing faith is a daily decision. Who will I turn to today—God, or the enemy?

Truth be told, I went into the David performance a little skeptical. His story doesn’t seem all that glamorous at first glance: a shepherd boy tending sheep. (I once was handed  the reins of a sheep by a little boy at a county fair and immediately said, “No, sir I do not want to be responsible for your sheep.”   (They are temperamental little creatures.)  And yet, David’s story is full of raw honesty and unmatched beauty—especially in the Psalms. His praise, his confession, his deep cries to God… they’ve become a model for the kind of vulnerable, worship-filled walk I want to have.

I’ll be honest: reading the Bible can be a struggle. How many times have I tried to read the Bible in a year, only to get stuck in the genealogies?  So I’ve learned to get creative:

• I do word finds through the Psalms—yes, actual puzzles! And then I meditate on the verses I uncover, comparing different versions and asking how they apply to me.
• I use scripture as my computer password (Note: Make sure you know how to spell Habakkuk before you do this!)
• I listen to K-LOVE on my commute, filling my morning with worship and perspective.

Devotional time doesn’t have to fit into a box. It’s about keeping God’s Word close to your heart and listening to what He’s calling you to do—or not do.  However you choose to stay in the Word, just choose. Choose God. Choose the path He’s laid before you. And when you face your own giants—remember, your God is no less faithful than David’s.