"ANOINT HIM, THIS IS THE ONE!" - Conclusion

Did David begin to cultivate ambitions about the kingship? No, he was content to wait on the leading of Jehovah's spirit to let him know when it was time to assume greater responsibilities. In the meantime, he continued his humble work of shepherding. It was a work that he carried out with great dedication and courage. His father's flocks were threatened on two occasions, once by a lion ad once by a bear.  David did not simply try to drive off those predators from a safe distance. Rather, he leaped right into the fray to defend his father's helpless sheep. Both times, he single -handedly killed the ferocious wild beast! - 1 SAMUEL 17:34-36; ISAIAH 31:4.

In time, David was summoned again. His reputation had reached the ears of King Saul. Though still a powerful warrior, Saul had lost Jehovah's favor by rebelling against God's instructions. Jehovah had withdrawn his spirit from Saul, and thus the king was often subject to a bad spirit-fits of anger, suspicion, and violence. When this bad spirit was upon Saul, one thing that could sooth him was music. Some of Saul's men had learned of David's reputation as a musician as a fighter. So David was summoned, and he soon became one of Saul's court musicians and armor-bearers. - 1 SAMUEL 15:26-29; 16:14-23.

Young people in particular can learn much from David's faith in these matters. Notice that he spent his spare time in pursuits that drew him closer to Jehovah. Additionally, he patiently developed skills that were practical and that made him readily employable. Above all, though, he responded to the leading of Jehovah's spirit. What outstanding lessons for all of us to learn!

Next time: "LET NO ONE LOSE HEART BECAUSE OF HIM" 

From the jw.org publications