December 11 - David

Gather

What things are people judged by?

How do you decide whether someone is a good person or not?

In one of the Bible stories about David we hear about how God doesn’t judge people by how tall they are, or how old they are or even how strong and healthy they look. He looks at their heart – the things that they care about and think and feel are important.

How might people know that
you are trying to have a good heart that pleases God?

Read David the
Giant-Killer in the Lion Storyteller Bible

David

Engage

1 Samuel 16:1-23-17:58, 2 Samuel 5:1-5

David was a musician and wrote many songs, the first King of Israel, Saul, liked to listen to him singing. But David grew up looking after sheep, it was hard and sometimes dangerous as wild animals would attack the flock. Fighting with Goliath first brought him to the king’s attention, but God has already chosen him to be the next king.

After many adventures David became king and ruled well, though that did not stop him from getting things very wrong at times. Despite his faults and weaknesses God forgave him and in turn David wrote some memorable poems that were set to music to be sung during worship services. One of the most memorable of these poems describes God as a good shepherd,

David wrote, “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” Going on to say: “My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.”

David was writing about his own experience of God

 

Respond 

In one of the famous David stories, about Goliath, he took five small stones from the riverbed as weapons when he faced the giant. He decided to fight the giant because he couldn’t believe what he was saying about  God. He trusted that God was with him and would help him do what he needed to do.

Pick up and hold in turn five small stones as you think about the five truths below and talk to God about them

  1. God is good
  2. God loves us
  3. God asks us to share his good news
  4. God helps us to do the right thing for him
  5. God is with us at all times and wherever we go

Send

Write a poem about your experience of God, like David. If you need help look at the Psalms for inspiration as he wrote many of them