You Are Being Formed

David was a “youth” when he received the Holy Spirit and the anointing of God as Israel’s next king, but the kingship was not conferred upon him immediately as it was with Saul. In the first reading (2 Samuel 5:1-7, 10), we find out it happened after Saul had died in battle and David had reached the age of 30. We don’t know how old David was at the time of anointing, but I’ll guess age 12 or younger. That means it took at least 18 years. You can imagine David experienced times of impatience and despair. We know David had experienced a long wait filled with suffering. He was constantly accused by a jealous Saul. He had to flee for his life on several occasions. At one point he left Israel to seek refuge from the Philistines. There were so many trials before that kingship was realized. As painful as that time of waiting was, it was a formation. You are being formed too. A priest was telling me the time of waiting for your mission in life is a formation. The Lord is using all of the things that happen to you to prepare you for that day. If your reaction is anger, you are being taught the virtue of peace and and patience. You can help others later when they are angry. If that reaction is depression and despair, you are being formed in joy and hope to help others. As another priest said, everything happens to you – good, bad or indifferent – is being used by the Lord to form you. So I hope to encourage you if you are in a time of waiting, wondering what you were meant for or when the thing you expect is going to pass. Trust that the Lord is working even in the times of darkness. He is forming you and hasn’t forgotten you. Psalm 27: 14 Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD!

#David #Samuel #Psalm