David was a shepherd, a warrior, a king, a poet, and a good theologian. His prayer in 2 Samuel 22 captures excellently the character and nature of God.
David didn’t learn theology from other students of the Bible. He learned how to think about God from his many experiences with Him.
In the context of life experiences, David learned that God always knows the best directions for a human’s life. He also discovered that God’s promises are always true.
This God—his way is perfect;
the promise of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31)
As a young man, Paul sat with one of the greatest teachers in Israel, Gamaliel. When he began following Jesus, learned from his experiences in life that God’s way is perfect.
His famous Romans 8:28 verse states how God’s directions are always perfect.
We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
I think Romans 8:29 needs to be read along with the passage. It shows why all thing work together for good.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family.
As we follow Jesus, all of our experiences – both what seems good and difficult – are designed to mold us into the image of Jesus. In the words of Dallas Willard, what God does in our life is designed to help us live a “Jesus-kind-of-life.”
Thus, we can agree with David and Paul that all of God’s guidance is perfect.
God’s Promises are True
The theologian David declared: “The promise of the Lord proves true.” God gave the prophet Nathan certain promises to David.
The king wanted to build a temple for the Lord. God prevented him from doing this, but made a promise about one of his sons and the temple.
When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom.
He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13).
God also promised David that his kingdom would be established forever.
Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:16).
The ultimate fulfillment of this promise to David came centuries later, when Jesus, the Messiah, was born.
An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham (Matthew 1:1).
Looking Back
Please think with me for a minute. How has God perfectly directed your life? Here’s a quick and very incomplete account of God’s hidden guidance in my life that I have realized as exactly what I needed.
- As a teenager, I worked in a warehouse where I gained life-long perspectives from the men with whom I worked.
- The church I served for seven years in Louisiana formed my outlook on ministry and led me to the wife who has blessed me for 46 years.
- Our three children and two grandchildren are examples of God’s direction and blessing.
- When I came to Maywood Baptist Church in 1984, two other churches were possible locations for ministry. I have thanked God multiple times for sending me to Maywood.
No doubt, you are like me and can have a much longer list than the one above. Take time to reflect on God’s perfect guidance. If you struggle with some of the issues of life, ask God to show you how “all things work together for good for those who love God.”
What about God’s promises? Here are a few general promises that come to mind.
Peace with God: The Bible teaches us that we are no longer God’s enemies, but His friends, because of what Jesus accomplished for us.
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:19-20).
Assurance of Heaven: We don’t have to worry about life after death, because God has taken care of that for us through His beloved Son.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life (John 3:16).
Like God’s perfect guidance, we can list many more promises. If you want a larger list of promises God has made to His children, search the Internet. You will find extensive lists of God’s promises.
In my opinion, what’s most important is to know God’s leadership and promises from experience. God deeply desires humans to have an experiential knowledge of His love and magnificent character.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, Bruce’s son-in-law Alex, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 