The Secret of Their Success
ICS Daily Devotions
Psalm 27:4 (NKJV) One thing I have desired of the Lord, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the Lord, And to inquire in His temple.
Many people want to meet successful people to learn from them. While these people might be gifted in their areas of expertise, there is no better person to learn from than the one who created them and gave them those gifts: God. In fact, when we look at Scripture, we see this truth embodied in the life of David. David accomplished great exploits for the Lord, despite facing many challenges. For this reason, we should also learn from David—a person who knew God, and a man after God’s own heart.
David’s secret and the foundation of all his successes was choosing to dwell in God’s presence, drawing strength from Him, and seeking to know Him. It is where he developed the habit of talking with God and seeking His guidance during difficult times. A Spanish proverb says, “Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are.” The people we spend time with influence our thinking, values, and behaviour. That’s why the Bible encourages us not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, because there is nothing in common between darkness and light. We are shaped by the voices we allow into our lives.
Exodus 33:11 (NKJV) So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle.
In the Bible, most of those who carried out great exploits for God spent time with Him or had an encounter that drew them closer to Him. Joshua loved being in God’s presence and saw how wonderful it was for Moses to speak to God face to face. Faith naturally grows in God’s presence. Though Joshua was later instructed to rebuke and confront the people, his time with God strengthened his confidence and shaped his courage.
Similarly, for David, it must have been wonderful to seek God daily and gain wisdom, assurance, and promises. Over time, God’s presence shaped the way he spoke—so much so that when he faced Goliath, his words were filled with faith. What set David apart from the rest of Israel was his habit of dwelling in the house of the Lord and seeking Him continually. Truly, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Moses, Joshua, and David spoke to the Lord, and the Lord spoke to them. They had a close relationship with God and a habit of going into the tabernacle. It was in God’s presence that they heard from Him, received instructions, directions, promises, and assurances. These habits made them remembered as great people of God in the Bible.
Reflection: How are the people you “walk with” shaping the person you are becoming? In your daily life, do you prioritise seeking the “face” of God above merely seeking His help?
Sermon Series： Walking With God
