Who Can I Simply Serve

Scripture: "Let our lord command your servants here in your presence to look for someone who knows how to play the lyre. Whenever the evil spirit from God comes on you, that person can play the lyre, and you will feel better." Then Saul commanded his servants, "Find me someone who plays well and bring him to me." 1 Samuel 16:16-17

Observation: This is how David enters into the royal circle ... as a harp player.

Saul's servants have discovered that, when Saul is afflicted with anger, music sooths him, and one of them remembers that this one shepherd kid in nearby Bethlehem is a good harpist. This occurs after Samuel has declared to Saul that someone nearby - a neighbor - will succeed him as king, and then Samuel has come and anointed David, the eighth son of Jesse, as that next king. Because he is part of the royal court as the harpist, and liked by Saul in that capacity, he will have the authority to speak to Saul about challenging Goliath, even convincing him to allow him to try. This will win him marriage to Saul's daughter, and thus residence in the king's home, friendship with Jonathan, future command of the army, and ultimately position him for the kingship both practically and in the eyes of the people.

This does not happen because David is known as a great fighter, nor military strategist, nor conniving politician, nor great seducer of princesses, nor profound orator. It happens because, despite having been anointed as the future king, David is willing to serve as a simple harpist.

Application: Last night, I sent an email to a friend who has just gone through - is going through - a professional situation with similarities to my own. In it, I used the phrase "completely and permanently destroyed" in reference to my career. Even I now know this is only partially true, as many doors are closed to me for certain, yet there are other things I can do. However, the 'career' of David presented here gives me pause to think of two questions about myself.

1) Is there a skill I have that I am known for doing well?

2) Who can I simply serve with that skill?

There was a time not so long ago that my answer to the first question would have been simply 'no'. Now, however, I do know that I am particularly good at problem solving through organization and structured logic. As it relates to the second question, I know the answer I want to give ... the Lord. However, that will likely be achieved through some intermediary job here on earth. For now, that intermediary job involves serving field teams and major customers for one of the largest human businesses in history. I wouldn't mind that changing, but I'm also fine with it as-is.

I am not a harpist, and I am too old to begin some long path to 'greatness'. I no longer have any such aspirations anyway. I would like to simply serve the Lord. I will do so wherever he wishes, for he knows my skills even better than I.

Prayer: Lord, may I serve you, and may I walk with you daily, following your path and holding your hand. Here I am. I will go if you say 'go', and I will stay if you say 'stay'. Amen.