Wisdom can be gained in many ways, but one of the most powerful forms of wisdom comes through experience. Time has a way of revealing what is dependable, what is trustworthy, and what ultimately proves faithful. When that experience belongs to someone who has walked with God for many years, their words carry a special weight. King David spoke from that kind of experience when he wrote, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.” Psalms 37:25 NIV. These were not the words of a man guessing about God’s faithfulness. They were the testimony of someone who had walked through danger, victories, failures, and restorations—and discovered that God never abandons those who trust Him.
When we read about David’s life, it is hard not to think of courage and adventure. From the time he was a young shepherd boy, David had a heart that sought after God. He learned the stories of what God had done through men like Moses and the leaders of Israel before him. Moses once prayed, “O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?” Deuteronomy 3:24 NKJV. David heard truths like this and believed them deeply. But belief alone was not what shaped David’s faith. His faith was strengthened through experience—through watching God act in his own life.
He saw God deliver him from the paw of the lion and the bear while protecting his father’s sheep. He saw God give him victory over the giant Goliath when no one else in Israel had the courage to stand. Later he experienced years of hardship while being pursued by King Saul, yet even in caves and wilderness places God preserved him. Over time, these experiences built something powerful inside David—a deep and unshakable trust in the Lord.
Scripture tells us that God is continually looking for people whose hearts are devoted to Him. “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself mighty on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV.
People like David—those who passionately love God and trust Him—often become instruments through which God accomplishes remarkable things. The world may overlook such faith, but God never does. As Hebrews reminds us, “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10 NIV.
Near the end of David’s life, even after decades of witnessing God’s faithfulness, opposition still arose. There were attempts to disrupt the kingdom and place someone else on Israel’s throne instead of David’s son Solomon. Yet David did not panic or react in fear. Instead, out of a lifetime of walking with God, he spoke words that revealed the confidence built through years of experience with the Lord: “…As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble…” 1 Kings 1:29.
Those words reveal something important. David’s confidence was not based on a trouble-free life. It was based on a life where God had repeatedly proven Himself faithful. Over and over again God had helped him, protected him, and delivered him.
That is how faith grows. It grows when we remember what God has already done. Each answered prayer, each moment of guidance, each season where God carried us through difficulty becomes another reminder that He is faithful. It's one of the reasons I journal.
Over time, those experiences build confidence in our hearts. When new challenges come, faith begins to speak before fear does. We remember the ways God has already helped us, and we trust Him again.
So let David’s declaration become our own confession of faith: “…As surely as the LORD lives, who has delivered me out of every trouble…” 1 Kings 1:29.
“The salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD; He is their stronghold in time of trouble. The LORD helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.” Psalms 37:39–40 NIV.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the many times You have delivered, guided, and strengthened us throughout our lives. Help us remember Your faithfulness so that our confidence in You continues to grow. Let our lives become testimonies that encourage others to trust You as well. You are our refuge and our deliverer, and we place our full trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
