I Samuel 17:39
‘David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off.’
I very much love this verse. The armor was great for Saul, but an encumbrance for David. There are some things that work for us, but not others. What a great lesson. This applies to most areas of life. By the way, this is not referring to doctrine, but there are many spiritual applications. The truths of doctrine aren't flexible.
While some of David's fighting experience was up close, not so in this battle. His sling allowed him to launch the first salvo at a distance. While he had a weapon, he had no armor this time. Normally this would be risky, but God was with Him.
Saul may have been trying to equip him, but he also may have been embarrassed and trying to improve appearances. Whatever the motivation, the armor wasn't an improvement.
This passage demonstrates the importance of experience. David had been in conflicts before. He knew what worked for him. In all the experiences listed, his combat was hand to hand. He was quick and strong. When David put the armor on and was moving around his quickness and agility was limited.
While mentors and examples are important, this is an area where we need practice to learn our style.
This applies to our relationship with God. Not so much that there is great variance, but we have to walk with Him to know Him. I'm a fan of morning devotions, while others do their's at night. Our practicing will make clear to us what works for us.
I've seen others in worship and I can tell it's an emotional experience. While I enjoy worship, I don't react that way. On a similar point, I usually don't feel overflowing love for God. This concerned me until I read John 14:15, "If you love Me, you'll keep My commandments". This verse tells us that obedience demonstrates love. While it doesn't sound loving, it certainly shows a respect for God. Doing this familiarized me with how God wants to be loved, by obedience.
Learning all these things can be categorized as wisdom. It's different than knowledge. Wisdom comes from living out something. As David practiced with the armor, he learned that it wasn't going to work for him. It probably didn't fit and he made the point that he didn't have time to test them. Like a football player putting pads on. He needs the week to get used to them.
Lord, thank You for teaching us as we walk with You. You know us and what will work best for us. Thank You for all the personal things You teach us.