Looking around the table at the other Bible study participants, I won- dered what had drawn each of them to this 13-week study of King David. Some were leaders like David. A couple of people were excep- tional musicians like David. I wondered if any of them wrote poetry, as David had.

I marvelled inwardly at how very gifted King David had been and wished that God had favoured me with such outstanding talents and attributes. I was sure I had nothing in common with him. By the end of the study, however, my perspective had shifted. I had learned that, despite his talents and leadership skills, David sometimes made bad decisions, as we all do. Yet King David also had the humility and integ- rity to recognise his sin, take responsibility for it and accept its some- times devastating consequences. In the aftermath of terrible losses and trials, he chose the righteous path of praising God and requesting his guidance every step of the way forward.

To my surprise, that Bible study revealed how much I have in com- mon with David. Like his, my life is an occasionally painful journey made ultimately triumphant when I lean on God’s faithful promises to guide and redeem my life.

Prayer: Holy God, remind us not to compare ourselves to others but instead to focus on our unique relationship with you. Amen