My pastor has quite eloquently taught through much of the Bible. And it is mostly his content I share concerning the biblical aspect of this post.

We are not an island to ourselves, because it takes a redeemed community, as our faithfulness is interwoven with others, including, at times, those with whom we’ve experienced failure. God gave David success. Even though David had great sins, he confessed these transgressions and was free from the guilt of sin. And God surrounded him with Mighty Men, Warriors, who fought to protect his legacy; even Uriah the Hittite was a devoted warrior to David. These men were trustworthy and loyal, and whose hearts aligned with God. Perhaps by their influence, increasingly, David’s heart aligned with God’s.

Yes, the Lord worked through these men to make the life and ministry of David’s kingdom possible.

As our hearts increasingly align with God’s, we can be mighty men and women for God and come alongside someone to encourage and support them to reach their goals: a pastor, teacher, missionary, political figure, or even a young mother searching for a role model. Even during times of grave danger, we entrust our lives to God’s sovereign protection, ever aligning our heart to Him.

I’m not standing on a political pillar using a megaphone for who ought to be president of the United States. I loved the presidential look of Reagan and all he embodied; however, I also know that Samuel was looking at the outward appearance to anoint the next king of Israel and God was looking at the heart. Thus, David had the heart of a king! So, while I can’t see the heart, I will trust God to move through the person best to stand up for our country in a way that aligns with God’s heart.

And I love to see how God moves and works through sinners, just like me! I would never want my sins from my past projected on a screen for all to see like David’s! I am thankful that God, in love, has redeemed my past (as He did David) and given me a new name that provides the confidence I need to walk out onto the stage of life. Through the power of Jesus Christ – it is possible for a heart to align with God!  

Pastor Davey taught from this passage (2 Samuel 22-23) some time ago, but I could not shake how relevant it is for what recently took place on American soil against a political figure and a former president of the United States.

God is my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer, my Shield, my Refuge (2 Samuel 22:1-3), the one who saves me from violence (NLT).

David continues to sing of God’s protection in verse 4: “I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.” We, too, have witnessed the Sovereign Protection of God so often and so very prominently. Yet, do we sing about it? Or do we major on how close we encountered danger and never get around to being thankful and singing His praises? David goes on to say, these were not simply enemies but powerful enemies (verse18a) and not only that but enemies who “hated me”!!!  

Pastor Davey points out, God does not save us because we are a special case, but because He delights to save us (verse 20). This is the grace of God on display. He makes us blameless not sinless, a claim of God’s forgiveness (verses 24-25).

“When God forgives our sin, it’s as if the slate is wiped perfectly clean. God views us as blameless only because His son took our blame.”

“No longer condemned but forgiven – all sins are now covered. God sees us through the atoning blood of Jesus, it continually cleanses us from all sin.”

God IS our light; He lights up our darkness (verse 29).

Strength and victory can be ours; every battle, every problem is met with God’s significant provision (verse 40a).

I WILL praise even now (verse 50) as my heart aligns with His!

Lesson 136: A Final Poem and a Hall of Fame (2 Samuel 22-23), Pastor Stephen Davey The Wisdom Journey · Wisdom International (wisdomonline.org)