We’re continuing through the historical accounts of King David, this time examining the victories recorded in 2 Samuel 8 and the battle cry of Psalm 60. This reflection is all about success—what it looks like when it’s God-given, how to respond to it, and how to avoid the extremes of pride or passivity.
If you’re in a season of growth—or longing for a breakthrough—there’s wisdom here for you.
Success with God’s Hand on It
After God made a covenant with David, we read in 2 Samuel 8 that David led his men through a series of military victories. From the Philistines to the Edomites, the text repeats:
“The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went.”
But David didn’t let success get to his head. He dedicated all the gold and silver he collected back to Yahweh. And as he built out his leadership team, the text tells us they “administered justice and equity to all his people.”
This wasn’t just good governance—it was divine favor in action. People noticed. Nations noticed. David’s reputation skyrocketed.
Success Isn’t Always Easy
Here’s the twist—this season of success also came with strain. Psalm 60 was written around the time of the final battle in the Valley of Salt, providing us with a glimpse into the emotional and spiritual turmoil that lay behind the military reports.
David’s words are raw:
“You have rejected us… you have made us see hard things… Oh, grant us help against the foe!” (Psalm 60)
It reminds us: success doesn’t mean easy. Even when God promises victory, we still have to fight.
Three Takeaways for Christian Professionals
- Success is from God. Your skills matter. Hard work matters. But ultimate success—especially the kind that builds legacy and blessing—comes from Him.
- Success should drive surrender. Like David, we should be quick to dedicate our wins back to God. Trophies, promotions, praise—give it all back.
- Success demands action, not apathy. God’s sovereignty is not an excuse to sit back. It’s fuel to pray harder, work wiser, and live braver.
A Practical Step
Write this down on a sticky note:
“I will do everything today to the best of my God-given ability. And I’ll be quick to give God praise for every win.”
And then ask yourself: How have you seen God’s hand in your own success?
When Your Idea Feels Bigger Than You
Before wrapping up, I want to speak directly to those of you who might be carrying a God-given idea—what some call a holy ambition. Maybe it’s a business, ministry, nonprofit, or creative project that’s been on your heart, but you’re not sure where to start or what to do next.
That’s why I created The Wisdom Launch—a core part of the Wisdom Leadership Suite. It’s a coaching program designed specifically to help believers act in faith on those ideas and move From Idea to Influence.
Using a proven seven-component framework, I’ll walk with you step by step to clarify your vision, plan strategically, and launch confidently. By the end, you’ll have a detailed, actionable roadmap for implementation.
If you’ve ever felt a nudge from God—but lacked a next step—this is for you. Let’s get that vision out of your head and into the world.
You can learn more about The Wisdom Launch and the full Wisdom Leadership Suite at wisdomcalling.org.