Dr. Asha

Anointed vs. announced—Which would you rather be? If I’m truthful with myself:

Announced. 

 

I come to this realization…

As I mull over recent conversations with ambitious friends about the trajectory of our careers. We are all degreed at the top of our professions, and we also share a common disappointment in the “realization” of our dreams. The money is not enough. Others less credentialed than us are making much more. The fulfillment is not enough. Every moment of pure joy is preceded by a million moments of sweat, stress, and tears. The pressure to succeed is too great. For how can someone of such pedigree not be enormously successful? These thoughts lingered as I settled in for my time of daily reading this morning.

 I’m currently visiting the pages of Making Sense of the Bible by “The Daily Bible Verse” founder David Whitehead. Chapter 10 discusses the transition from the I’ll-just-do-it-my-way reign of Saul to the humble reign of David.

When Samuel the prophet went to meet David’s family for the first time, Samuel did not make a big spectacle of his visit. In fact, he told inquirers that the purpose of his visit was to make a sacrifice, so as not to stir up unnecessary attention. However, during this visit, God directed Samuel to anoint David as the second king of Israel.

What I find interesting…

Is how David’s successorship started. David had spent the entire day in the field, watching and protecting his family’s sheep. He was called inside on short notice. He didn’t even get to bathe before he met Samuel.

 

 

David was an afterthought in one moment; but in the next, he was anointed for his purpose. And because of this anointing, David was filled with the Spirit that would transform the rest of his life.

Notice this—When David was assigned to be king, there was no big announcement. There was no grand ceremony. There was no decadent feast, parade of performers, and multitudes of guests that carried on the festivities for weeks on end. There was just this: an anointing.

 

So I ask myself (and you, my friend):

 

 

Am I ok with just an anointing? Or am I looking to be announced? Because of the anointing, David was filled with the Spirit that guided him through a fatal fight with a giant, being chased by a murder-intending foe, battling numerous nations in defense of his people, and an attempt to overturn this throne. This same Spirit re-routed David when he committed adultery and murder. This Spirit protected David, guided him through a reign of 40 years, and shaped his legacy of being  “a man after God’s own heart.”

 

So the issue I face…

Is not whether or not I am purposed to do “this,” because I believe I am. Instead, the issue is whether I’d rather be anointed or announced?

Because I can continue doing the things “I’m good at,” and get recognized for how smart I am; and how I always have the answer, the solution, or the plan to make it work. (Kinda like Saul.) Or, like David, I can start at the place where God dispensed His Spirit upon me. And I can trust that this Spirit will guide me through brushes with betrayal, disappointment, battle, my own infidelities, and even threats to my life. I can further trust that this Spirit will escort me through the dark valleys of life to a place where my every step illuminates the purpose for which God designed me to exist. 

I can operate in my anointing.

 

While being announced…

Is of great reward here on earth, being anointed is of greater reward in Heaven. And if I continue to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” (emphasis added), I can experience that heavenly reward while I live here on earth.

So how do I reconnect with the Guide, the Spirit, that was sent to help me live a life of purpose?

 

 

I have to purge myself from thinking that being seen is the same as being successful. I have to purge myself from being jealous of those who appear to be passing me or moving ahead of me in their pace of life and accomplishments. I have to douse my desire to be declared as successful, needed to win, and the savior/superwoman of the day. I have to bring my heart to a place where it would rather be anointed vs. announced.

Maybe I can get back on purpose with these words penned by King David himself:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

 

What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.