Glorifying God

David did it better than anyone when it came to glorifying God. As you read about David you will see he did things that were not always right in the eyes of God. David had multiple wives, committing adultery with Bathsheba, then sending her husband Uriah off to war on the front lines to be killed because of his own personal lusts. Next, the family drama, his son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar and one of David’s other son’s Absalom killed Amnon because of the heinous act against Tamar.  But David still searched for God, waited on God, praised God and even danced for the Lord. 2 Samuel 6:14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might: and David was girded with a linen ephod. David glorified God with singing and the playing of instruments. In 2 Samuel 6:5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all manner of instruments made of fir wood, even on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals.

When David defeated the Philistines, he glorified God, 1Chron 16:7-36.

7 Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the LORD into the hand of Asaph and his brethren.

8 Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

9 Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works.

10 Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.

12 Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

13 O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

14 He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

15 Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations;

16 Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac;

17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

18 Saying, Unto thee will I give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;

19 When ye were but few, even a few, and strangers in it.

20 And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people;

21 He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,

22 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

23 Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation.

24 Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations.

25 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the people are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.

27 Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place.

28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.

29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.

32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.

33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth.

34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

35 And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.

36 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel for ever and ever. And all the people said, Amen, and praised the LORD.

David knew he was a sinner, and it was obvious by the way he poured out his heart in Psalm 51. (Just a side note David wrote a little over 70 of the Psalms that are in the Bible.) And in another scripture, 2 Samuel 16:12 NIV It may be that the Lord will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessings instead of his curse today. David knew where his help came from – the Lord.

 When times are tough glorify God. In the waiting period, glorify God and believe in the powerful working miracles of the Father. God may not remove every pain, struggle, or obstacle, but he is with you always and will see you through it. Recall the awesome poem “Footprints in the Sand,” you are not alone he will carry you when you feel like you can’t go on, but whatever you do don’t stop glorifying the Father.

With what are we to glorify God?  Romans 15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 How can we glorify God? 1Peter 4:14-16

14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

It is well documented that David was a sinner and as you can see God can use sinners. And the word said in 1 Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22 that David was a man after God’s own heart. God can use anyone. Do not wait until you think you have it all together to give God glory or to be used by him. God searches the heart, surrender to him and be a willing vessel, then glorify him in your body and in your spirit 1Cor.6:20.

Reading about David’s life and the choices he made didn’t stop God from loving him. God’s love for us runs so deep. There is nothing we can do that will stop God from loving us, however there are consequences for our sins. But remember this, Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

God is worthy of all the glory.