David lived most of his life with deep passion and great enthusiam for God. As a young shepherd he walked in close relationship with God. When a bear or lion came to attack his sheep, David boldly confronted and killed the attacker and gave all glory to God. When the day arrived and David was confronted by Goliath, the champion of the Philistine army, he confidently stepped up to fight, even though the whole Israelite army quaked with fear. He claimed victory in the name of the God of Israel. After David became King of Israel he celebrated a great victory over the Philistines and returned home dancing and worshipping God with such abandon that he stipped off his clothing and danced before the Lord (and everyone else) naked. His wife found his behavior un-Kingly to say the least. David didn’t care. His passion and enthusiasm for God ran deep and his sincere worship was not quietly contained. Although we know David to be a man after God’s own heart, in later years, he lost his way for a time. He grew comfortable with his position in life and his kingdom. In the spring, when kings go to war, David stayed home. During that time, he saw a woman bathing on a rooftop and asked that she be brought to him. Despite the fact that she was married to one of his soldiers who was off at war, David indulged his comfort, his pleasure, and she became pregnant. The chain of tragic events that followed are well-known. It all happened because David wasn’t where he was supposed to be, leading his men in the war. The drift from God can happen so easily. David lost his way for a while. He wasn’t pursuing his relationship with God as he had in the past. The prophet Nathan was God’s mouthpiece in bringing David to realize of his sin. It was a painful repentance, but it turned his focus back to God, reignited his enthusiasm for his maker, and led him to write Psalm 51. 

Scriptures – 1 Co 15:57-58; Col 3:23; 1 Sa 17:45-46; 2 Sa 6:21-22, 11:1-2, Re 2:4-5; Ps 51:10-12

Verses – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. (Col 3:23) “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” (2 Sa 6:21-22) “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Re 2:4-5) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. (Ps 51:10-11)

Thought – To have a close relationship with God where your passion remains strong and your enthusiasm overflows, there are 3 main things you must do. 1) Walk with God daily. It’s not one and done because you attend church. It’s praying, reading Scripture, talking to God, reflecting and meditating. 2) Trust God daily. As you walk with God each day, your faith grows, your trust develops. As you trust and see God’s faithfulness, your trust increases more and more, just as David’s did. 3) Worship God daily. Walking with God and trusting Him compels you to worship Him. He is worthy of all our praise, of all our worship. Your enthusiasm will influence and affect those around you. Don’t allow your surroundings to influence your enthusiasm; allow your passion for God to inspire you and all whose lives you touch. Don’t allow your desire for comfort to overtake your passion for Christ. Keep working at it. God isn’t finished with you, and you won’t be done until Jesus comes!

Questions – How do you allow external situations to affect your passion for God? Identify someone who seems to maintain passion for God no matter the situation? What are your personal practices to keep your passion for God alive and well? How does the desire for comfort affect your relationship with God?

Response – If you haven’t done so, launch a daily plan for prayer, bible reading, and time with God. Pray and trust him for strength and answers. Worship Him because he is worthy of all your praise. Grow your relationship.

Prayer –  Dear Lord, allow me to walk closer to you each day. Help me to grow in faith and trust You more. May Your praise always be on my lips! (Ps 34:1) In Jesus Name I pray amen.