In the book of Samuel, we read about David as a shepherd boy. Watching over, feeding, and keeping predators away from the sheep was the responsibility of the shepherd. Although an important responsibility, it wasn't a desirable job and was usually assigned to the youngest or weakest in the family, as was the case in David’s situation. He was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse.

Keeping sheep was a lonely job but David was never alone. He spent his days worshiping God, meditating on His Word, and playing music on his harp. He also had plenty of time to practice shooting stones with his slingshot. Being in the wilderness with sheep, David developed courage and strength when faced with predators that were after the sheep. Some of these predators included bears and lions and David killed both. One time a lion had snatched one of the animals in its mouth and David rescued it by striking the lion and taking the sheep from the lion's mouth. When the lion would rear up, David would grab the lion by its fur, strike it down, and kill it. Little did David know at the time that his wilderness training and skillsets would put him in a place of promotion and authority.

You may be in a season where you are being responsible but you feel like you are in the wilderness. You may feel alone and are not getting any recognition or appreciation for the work you are doing. Take advantage of these times to come closer to God and experience His love for you. Meditate on God’s Word and use your time to develop your skills, both internally and externally. Just because nothing exciting is happening in your life right now, do your best in the season you are in and improve or learn new skill sets and work on developing a strong mind and a closer relationship with God.  

As a young boy, David wasn’t even considered or remembered by his father, Jesse, when the prophet Samuel came to anoint one of his sons as the next king of Israel. David was still out watching the sheep. Finally, when all of David’s brothers had been considered and refused, Samuel had to ask Jesse, “are these all the sons you have?” When David was brought to Samuel, the Lord chose him and he was anointed to be the future king of Israel. Afterward, he went back to the sheep and was not treated any differently.

When the current king of Israel, Saul, had trouble with his emotions and mood, David was asked to go to the palace and play his harp before him. David was known as an excellent skilled musician.  When David played, King Saul felt much better and his depressed and oppressive mood was lifted. David was favored by King Saul who promoted him to be his armor-bearer as well. Later David slays the giant Goliath and after Saul’s death, he becomes king of Israel.

As a musician, David also wrote many songs including a well-known one in Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I will not lack

He makes me lie to down in green pastures

He leads me beside still waters

He restores my soul

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake

Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil

For You are with me

Your rod and Your staff

They comfort me

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies

You anoint my head with oil

My cup runs over

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

If you are going through a wilderness experience, remember Psalm 23 and know that God is preparing you for greatness. He is your loving Shepherd who will be with you.  (Jer 29:11; John 3:16)

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