And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. (I Chronicles 14:16,17 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Try Obedience
King David had great fame. The rest of the known world feared him.
But why?
Some might assume it was because of his shepherding skills, transferred to the army. Some might think it was his strategic mind, learned in his years hiding from King Saul. Some might think it was the super ninja skills of David’s Mighty Men. (I Chronicles 11:10-47 ESV) Some might think it was because of the timing of international intrigues and power vacuums.
But we read here that David had success for one reason.
He did what God commanded him.
Not simply in military terms, but David loved to obey the Lord. And the Lord blessed David for it.
Of course, David was not perfect. But even his two big recorded disobedient acts (Bathsheba and counting the army) had the direct result of David losing the blessing of fame and reputation.
If you fear failure, try obedience. If your reputation is floundering, try obedience. If you, like David, desire to serve the Lord, try obedience.
Not to earn heaven, of course. But because it makes God smile.
Fear not, then try obedience.