David in the Wilderness of Waiting

David in the Wilderness of Waiting

Series: Clayton’s Wilderness Survival School

October 26, 2025

Dr. Clayton Chisum

David was anointed to be king, but before anyone called him “King David,” God led him into the wilderness.

His story was different than the previous king’s story.

1. Saul was but

1 Samuel 9:2 (NLT)

• Never developed patience under pressure: 1 Samuel 13:9 (NLT) 
• Didn’t recognize the value of humility: 1 Samuel 15:12 (NLT) 
• When you get ahead of God, you’re heading for a downfall.

2. David was but

• As a boy, he learned how to be a courageous shepherd: 1 Samuel 17:34–36 (NLT)
• While serving Saul, he learned how to put others first: 1 Samuel 16:21-23 (NLT)
• While running and hiding, he learned how to lead broken people: 1 Samuel 22:2 (NLT)
• While waiting in wilderness, he learned how to seek God’s guidance: 1 Samuel 23:9-11 (NLT)

3. Maybe waiting in the wilderness isn’t but

1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)

• God was preparing David’s heart to be like his heart.

4. For David, the came before the … and that might be , too

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT); Ephesians 5:1–2 (NLT)

• Don’t waste it while you’re in it.
• Don’t waste it once you’re through it.

Psalm 23:1-6 (NLT)

• Let God work on you so he can work through you. That’s what the wilderness is for.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you ever been in a season where you were waiting on God for something important? What emotions or thoughts came with that waiting?
2. Saul got ahead of God instead of waiting on Him. Where are you most tempted to “make things happen” rather than trust God’s timing?
3. Why do you think God sometimes slows the process of promotion or progress in our lives?
4. David was faithful in hidden places before God used him in public ones. How might God be preparing you in your “hidden” season right now?
5. What spiritual habits help you stay patient and trust God’s plan while you wait?
6. The sermon said, “Maybe waiting isn’t punishment but preparation.” How does that truth change your perspective on your current struggles?
7. What would be an example of “wasting your waiting”?
8. Psalm 23 came out of David’s wilderness experience. What verse from that psalm encourages you most when you feel stuck or unsure?
9. What’s one way you can let God “work on you so He can work through you” this week?