How is a Writer’s Life Like King David?

DiAnn Mills By DiAnnMills

Most of us are familiar with King David of the Bible. His story is in 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Psalms, and many other parts of the Old and New Testament. For many of us, one of our first childhood Bible stories showed us how David took five smooth stones and used a slingshot to kill the giant Goliath.  

How is a Writer’s Life Like King David?

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When I consider the writer’s life, I see giants on all sides—those who are vying for an agent’s or publisher’s attention, the intense work to establish a platform, pressure to write the book, critiques who shout I’m not good enough, and then there’s my competitive nature. My conclusion is a writer’s life marches alongside David as he walked God’s path to be king. See if you might agree.

The following are ten ways a writer’s life is like King David: 

  1. He didn’t take the throne immediately. He had much to learn.
  2. He battled lions and bears to build strength, courage, and thus perfect his skills.
  3. His family didn’t understand who he was or what he was attempting to accomplish.
  4. He fought Goliath – the world of publishing – by using his skills and trusting in God.
  5. He faced rejection: Saul, his wife Michal, those whom he thought were his friends, and his sons.
  6. He made mistakes and had to ask for forgiveness. 
  7. He stood alone for what he valued most—faith.
  8. He knew how to laugh and enjoy life.
  9. He never gave up. He had hope, which means he waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises. What about you? Where is your hope and commitment?
  10. David became king, but he understood the responsibility wasn’t about him but obeying God.

Whether our goal in life is a published writer, the president of a large corporation, a renown doctor, or a good mom or dad, we need to focus on and follow God first.

Comments 24

  3. The giant right now, is dissapointment and despair combined. I submitted my manuscript, and received encouragement that the publisher liked it, but suggested some changes which would change some main points. Because I wanted to keep my ideas, the publisher said they could not publish. I am still reeling.

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  6. Six, seven, and nine ring oh so very true my friend. Thank you for your encouraging world. I pray to one day see you alongside at the top of the mountain; thank you for waiting for me to get there and the helping hand you provided on my ascent.

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  7. Thank you, DiAnn! I certainly feel like David with my few little stones. David didn’t trust in his accuracy, he trusted in the Lord who had delivered him before. As a writer, I can’t trust in my way with words. I have to trust in the Lord who brings them to mind.

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  10. Perfect analogy, DiAnn. You brought David to life in a contemporary perspective, yet one as old as time itself. We need to remember we aren’t the first to strive and fail in every aspect of our lives until we remember what our goal is supposed to be: obedience to God.

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