Here are some of my lessons learned, especially after going through David’s first reign as king.

Patience: This is the same lesson I had from Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Jesus – Samuel anoints David as king when he was 15. He does not become king until he is 30 and that is only over Judah. At 37 he becomes king over all of Israel. I have to be patient as God works out His will in His time.

Waiting is a part of the divine design of things. Waiting is no accident, it is purposed. It is in waiting times that many I know have failed in their faith and obedience. In some way, waiting is a form of adversity, maybe even a test of our faith and endurance. Examples such as the events of the golden calf, and King Saul’s failure to wait for Samuel to arrive come to mind. The disciples were in a hurry to usher in the new kingdom of God. The eleven apostles were in a hurry to replace Judas when they should have already started to wait for the promised Holy Spirit. It is a wonder why Jesus taught them so much on what they should be doing while they were waiting.

Diplomacy:  Sometimes I go too simple when I think of God’s will. Then again, sometimes I am pretty intense like “a bull in a china shop.” David worked hard at bringing together a united kingdom. I look at myself to be characterized by grace, wisdom and love so that I am paving the way to work with people and groups as agents of God’s Kingdom. Knowing God’s will is not enough – I have to facilitate it too.

Seeking God: David inquires from God three times. If I know it all and stop seeking God, I am going to find myself in a lot of trouble.

Self-interest: What happens when I or someone on my team becomes a bit too interested in their own agenda? The kind of mindset that can actually delay or even derail an initiative. I have to surrender my own priorities if I am to serve the King.

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh.  In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince^[c] over Israel.’”  So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. – 2 Samuel 5:1-3  ESV

Can’t imagine how David felt being king after so many years of being rejected by Saul.  If he had not been surrounded by people who loved him, and followed him, I am not too sure he would have made it.