How can we trust God's promises like David did in 2 Samuel 3:18? Setting the Scene “Now then, bring it about, for the LORD has promised David: ‘By My servant David I will save My people Israel from the hand of the Philistines and of all their enemies.’ ” (2 Samuel 3:18) Abner’s words recall a promise God had already spoken. David, still on the run from Saul only a short time earlier, now lives with the growing certainty that God will finish what He began. That certainty—rooted in the Lord’s proven faithfulness—shows us how to trust today. Why David Could Trust So Completely • God’s promise had been spoken clearly (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4). • David had seen repeated, smaller fulfillments—victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and protection during Saul’s pursuit (1 Samuel 23:14). • The promise lined up with God’s covenant purposes for Israel (Genesis 12:2-3). • David knew the character of the Promise-Giver: “The LORD’s promises are pure” (Psalm 12:6). Four Anchors for Our Trust 1. God’s Unchanging Character • “God is not a man, that He should lie… Does He promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). • Because He never changes, every word stands firm (Malachi 3:6). 2. God’s Covenant Record • Not one word failed of all He promised to Israel (1 Kings 8:56). • The Davidic covenant was later reaffirmed and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus the Messiah (Luke 1:31-33). 3. Christ, the “Yes” to Every Promise • “All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). • His resurrection seals the certainty of everything God has said (Acts 2:30-32). 4. The Spirit’s Inner Witness • “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit” (Romans 8:16). • As He did for David (Psalm 51:11), the Spirit reassures us that God’s word is trustworthy. Practices That Strengthen Trust • Remember past deliverances—keep a written record of answered prayers, like David’s psalms recounting victories. • Meditate on specific promises—read them aloud, letting Scripture shape your outlook (Psalm 145:13). • Obey in the present—David acted on what he believed; obedience reinforces faith (James 2:22). • Surround yourself with truth-speaking voices—Nathan for David; godly friends for us (Hebrews 10:24-25). Promises Worth Grabbing Hold Of Today • Provision: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). • Presence: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). • Peace: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind” (Isaiah 26:3). • Power over fear: “When I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). • Eternal life: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (John 3:36). Living It Out Like David, we measure our circumstances against God’s word, not the other way around. His track record is flawless, His covenant sealed in Christ, His Spirit confirming each promise within us. Trust grows when we rehearse what He has already done, rest in what He is doing, and rejoice in what He has guaranteed forever. |
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