The Power of His Presence

Based on 2 Samuel 4-6

God's presence is Heavenly. God's presence is a sanctuary of peace. But...we can't forget the POWER either! God is not only present, but He is a FORCE! He changes things. His mighty Hand calms the storms we face. David knew the power of God backed him up. He did not have to fear his enemies, even if they mocked him. David danced in The Lord's presence. He found joy. He found peace...but that's because he knew the POWER! It caused him to have many victories, and it caused him to celebrate!

"And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, As the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

10: When one told me, saying, Behold, Saul is dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, who thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings: 11: How much more, when wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house upon his bed? shall I not therefore now require his blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?" 2 Samuel 4:9-11.

These 2 brothers, Rechab and Baanah, killed Ishbosheth, Saul's son, who became king over Israel after Saul died. Meanwhile, David had become king over Judah. The 2 brothers thought they were doing the right thing by taking matters into their own hands and killing Saul's son, but they did not regard the oath which was made between David and Saul, in which David promised not to destroy Saul's family. Also, these two brothers attacked Ishbosheth unaware, laying upon his bed. So, David responds first by saying The Lord is the One who redeems his soul from all adversity. It is not up to these men, and these men do not have the same power or authority God does. Then, David says their blood will be required. David's mind was always set on God. He did not want to give in and please men, or himself, even if it seemed to be for his benefit. That strength could only stem from reliance on the power of God!

"So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.

4: David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.

5: In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah." 2 Samuel 5:3-5.

After all that happened with Ishbosheth, David did become king over both Israel and Judah. But one thing he had to do was take back Jerusalem from the Jebusites. Even though the Jebusites mocked him, David was confident in the power of God. Nowhere in the passage does it say that David was afraid!

"So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. 10: And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him." 2 Samuel 5:9-10.

The Lord of hosts was ALWAYS with him! When David went with God's plan, things always turned out right. He took back Jerusalem, and later conquered the Philistines yet again. David always remembered to inquire of The Lord BEFORE he went to battle. This is critically important for us today as well. We need to remember to seek God before making decisions, especially decisions where many people could be affected...just like king David! He was king over Israel and Judah, so he needed the help of the True King in order to make the right choices! Each move he made could affect many, just like each move we make affects our families. We need to be fueled by God's power, which requires us to spend meaningful time in His presence! And...we can't forget to rejoice for all The Lord has done (and is going to do!).

In the next chapter, a time of rejoicing in The Lord does take place as David and his men bring the ark back...but, that time of rejoicing is temporarily halted when David sees the power of God in a different way. Uzzah, one of the men carrying the ark, puts forth his hand to steady the ark...but that was forbidden, and God strikes him dead in that very moment. David was afraid and did not understand, so they took the ark to another city for a short time. That city, Obededom, ended up being blessed as the ark dwelt there. Then, David took the ark back with him and was glad again. He understood that God still desired to bless and favor his people, but they needed to be in a place of obedience, not compromise. David just needed to keep on doing what he did best...putting matters into the hands of God, and not taking matters into his own hands like Uzzah! So then...the rejoicing continued!

"So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet. 16: And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart." 2 Samuel 6:15-16.

Michal did not quite understand the meaning of David's actions, but David made sure to explain that he was not dancing for anyone else's attention but God's. He wanted to use all his power & might to praise God for His great power and the great victories he experienced. Michal ended up being barren for her entire life because of this! She was not willing to give God the glory. It seemed as though she thought David should show that type of worship and praise to her instead of God. God's great power and love is the reason why we must praise HIM alone! No one else can do what God can. THERE IS POWER IN HIS PRESENCE!