Every gift for the common good

And David knew that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel (2 Sam 5:12).

If anyone in history could have thought his influence and wealth was for himself it would have been David. Yet David knew his kingdom had come to power for the good of the people. This was not about David sitting on a throne. This leadership was about God's kingdom and God's people. David did not trust himself to ruthless men who murdered people on their beds. David trusted in God who brought him out of every adversity.

In the middle of the storm it is hard to see God. The blowing rain, the flash of lightening, the pain of being tossed about darkens our eyes. But when the storm ceases we see God's hand. When David was running and hiding every day, when David the annoited was eating the priest's bread instead of feasting in the king's hall, and when he was fighting another people's battles there would have been opportunity to doubt. But as it were, the presence of God and the faithfulness of God gave opportunity to believe.