2 Samuel 5:12
“And David realized that the LORD had appointed him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.”
God loves us very much and He blesses them greatly. David is a great example of that. This verse informs us that David learns the reason at this time. It was so David could benefit Israel. We aren't told if it was an audible voice or a flash of insight by which he learns this.
This is interesting as David has been a blessing to many for a long time. Prior to becoming king over all the tribes, he was king over Judah for seven years. He was a blessing to them. Before that David was on the run as a fugitive for seven to ten years. I Samuel 22:2 describes the group that David benefitted, "And all who were distressed or indebted or discontented rallied around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him." David gave these purpose and hope.
Yet, it's much later that David learns that he has all this favor because of God's people. This doesn't mean that God doesn't enjoy blessing David. God wants to do both, bless David and His people. God does the same with us, He blesses us to bless others. Some may have doubts about His love and say, "I knew there had to be a catch. God only loves me for the work that I do." Absolutely no. He loves us, period.
It's helpful to know that it benefits us when we are focused on others. God is very much focused on others. He wants them to fear and worship Him, but that comes later. There is nothing bad or negative in that.
God is others focused. As we grow in Christ, we will be also. Ezekiel 36:26 informs us how it works, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Our old heart was self centered, but the Lord aides us within our personalities to reach others. Here’s one way it works. II Corinthians 1:4 says, “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God”. The Lord comforts us when we are down. He does so with His presence, His Word and through others. We’ll encounter others in the same position. We want to help.
Other ways He uses us to bless others is through conflict. Some won’t like us and will give us grief. While this is frustrating, the Lord empowers us to love them regardless. Romans 12:20 says, ‘On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.”’
Jesus called us many things, Salt of the earth, Light of the world and so on. That’s all for others. Salt savors and also disinfects, light guides and illuminates. He wants to do that through us. Most of the time we aren’t aware how He uses us. All of the sudden we’ll get a question or someone will show interest in being with us. Ride it like a wave all the way till it runs out.
David wrote His Psalms as a way of connecting with God. He had no way of knowing these would bless us all throughout time.
Thank You Lord for using David as an example to us all. Thank You for the honor of being used to bless others.