David

Psalm 27:4

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

When I think of strong men, I think of Moses who led millions out of slavery. I think of Caleb and Joshua who were the only two who brought back a good report from the land flowing with milk and honey. I think of Daniel who refused to worship anyone but the one true God, even if that meant being thrown to the lions. I think of John who identified himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, even at the cross. In the home of Lazarus, Jesus explained (in Luke 10:42) that “few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

What was the “one thing” that both Mary and David knew was important? Being with God.

If you are someone who gets quiet before God and really listens, you are developing your “one thing”. Your relationship with God is such a precious thing. It must be nurtured and protected and valued.

David knew as a boy that his strength in protecting the sheep wasn’t his own ability. He knew his victory over Goliath wasn’t a man-made victory. He knew his time with God was the energy behind all of his triumphs.

David sang songs of praise to God in the sheep pastures. He wasn’t working on a singer-songrwriter career. He just wanted to praise his God. I don’t know if he realized he was building his strength in those moments.

It wasn’t a surprise to those who knew him that he danced before God like a wild man. In 2 Samuel 6:5, we find that David and 30,000 men were “celebrating with all their might”. Picture a procession of 30,000 energetic men playing castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals and guiding a cart with the ark of God on it. David wasn’t dancing to put on a show, but to honor and praise God.

A strong man can ignore the stares of people who don’t understand the joy of a relationship with God. A strong man can ignore jealous nay-sayers who are skeptical when he explains his celebration. A strong man can stay faithful to God even when his life is threatened by a giant.

How are you becoming a strong man or woman?