King David knew of the presence of the Lord in his life. All we need to do is read through the psalms, and we’ll learn how important it was to him personally, emotionally, and physically to remember that God was with him.
One season in his life where we see God’s presence is in 2 Samuel 8. David and the nation are enjoying a time of peace. So much so that in this time of peace, David begins to think how he might bless God by building Him a house, a permanent place for the ark of the covenant. God responds by telling David that he won’t build Him a house, but God will build David a house, an eternal legacy. Such a great legacy that Messiah will come through his lineage! But as is usual, the peace doesn’t last long as the enemies of God quickly engage in battle with the nation, and David soundly gets the victory.
What was the key to David’s success? According to 2 Samuel 8:6:
“…So the LORD gave David victory wherever he went. 2 Sam 8:6b (NLT)
“…The LORD preserved David wherever he went. 2 Sam 8:6b (NKJV)
What great encouragement! The Lord preserved David where he went. He was with him, guiding him and giving him the victory! It wasn’t his military strength that solidified the win. It wasn’t his leadership abilities. He wasn’t following the ten easy steps to military wars. It was simply the faithfulness of God in his life. The Lord blessed him. The Lord protected him. The Lord prospered him.
But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You. For You, O LORD will bless the righteous; With favor, You will surround him as with a shield. Psalms 5:11-12 (NKJV)
Blessed be the LORD my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle– My lovingkindness and my fortress, My high tower and my deliverer, My shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.Psalms 144:1-2 (NKJV)
This is the place of victory in our lives. It’s not something we fight for. It’s something we receive by faith. He does the work for us, in us, and through us by the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes as I’m driving through town, church signs will catch my attention. One sign I saw not too long ago announced at a particular church that it was ‘victory night’ all weekend long. They invited all those driving by to come to their weekend of victory, where all the powers of darkness will be defeated in their specially scheduled and focused services. I love their heart for the city and for the need for victory to be taken, but I’m afraid I have to disagree with their biblical view.
According to my God, victory is already yours in Jesus Christ! No special services or prayers, or works are needed. By faith in Jesus Christ, you and I have the victory over sin, darkness, and death. Think of that… victory over sin. In Jesus, we can so “NO” to sin and yes to righteousness. Success doesn’t come to us through works, agitations, and unique services at a church. Jesus, Himself is our power over sin! As He lives His life through us, we live as overcomers. Jesus doesn’t just GIVE us victory. The Bible is clear, Jesus is OUR victory!
If you’re looking for a few verses to memorize, hide these in your heart:
Yet, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us in all these things. Romans 8.37 (NKJV)
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 2 Corinthians 2.14 (NKJV)
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15.57 (NKJV)
We don’t get the victory by fighting for it and wrestling with the devil. Success is ours through faith. As we abide in Jesus, we live in it. Like David of old, our victory comes because God is with us!
