From the Field to the Throne| Psalm 78

June 2025's Featured Sermon of the Month

On this summer Sunday in June, Pastor Jaime preached from Psalm 78:70-72, reminding us that God prepares us in the hidden, small places before calling us to public purposes, teaching that faithfulness in the field precedes fruitfulness on the throne.

“So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.” (Psalm 78:72, KJV)

HIDDEN FAITHFULNESS: WHERE GOD’S PREPARATION BEGINS (Psalm 78)

Pastor Jaime explained that David was chosen as king while tending sheep, a place of obscurity and simplicity that many would overlook. When Samuel came to anoint the next king, Jesse did not even call David in from the field, showing how others often dismiss the significance of the “small” responsibilities we carry.

Yet, God saw David’s faithful care of “a few sheep” and was pleased with his diligence in the hidden places. Pastor emphasized that the unseen moments of faithfulness, like reading your Bible quietly, praying for others, showing up to church, serving in small tasks are seen and valued by God. These are not wasted seasons; they are essential seasons where God is shaping the integrity of your heart for what is ahead.

SECRET BATTLES: PRIVATE VICTORIES PREPARE PUBLIC CALLINGS(Psalm 78)

David’s victories over the lion and the bear were not on a battlefield with an audience but in lonely pastures where no one else saw or celebrated him. Pastor Jaime highlighted how David’s courage was formed in private, fighting for the safety of the sheep when no one was watching.

When the day came for David to face Goliath, King Saul and others doubted him because all they saw was his youth and lack of experience. They did not know about the private victories that had strengthened David’s faith and courage. God often uses our secret battles—our struggles with fear, discouragement, or hidden challenges—to build in us the faith and resilience we will need for future callings.

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.” (Psalm 18:34, KJV)

GOD PREPARES THE HEART BEFORE THE HANDS(Psalm 78)

Pastor Jaime reminded us that God’s pattern is to prepare our hearts before He prepares our hands for His service. Before David could guide a nation with the skillfulness of his hands, God shaped the integrity of his heart while he was serving as a shepherd.

We live in a world that often values outward skill, platform, and recognition, but God is interested in your heart’s alignment with Him. Pastor shared that your character is formed when no one else is watching, when you choose obedience in the quiet moments, and when you surrender your attitudes and motivations to God. It is in these hidden seasons that God tests and refines our hearts so that when we are called to public service or leadership, we lead with humility and integrity.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23, KJV)

VALUED BY GOD EVEN WHEN UNNOTICED(Psalm 78)

Pastor Jaime illustrated this truth with the story of a world-class violinist who played in a busy D.C. subway during rush hour, unnoticed by the crowds rushing past. The same violinist had sold out concert halls the night before at hundreds of dollars per ticket, yet in the subway, he was invisible to the hurried world.

Pastor connected this story to David’s life, reminding us that the world may overlook your quiet faithfulness, but God never does. David was faithful in the unseen, and God valued him for it, preparing him for greater service. You may feel unseen in your service to your family, your workplace, or your church, but God sees and is preparing you through every small act of faithfulness.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” (Luke 12:6, KJV)

FROM THE FIELD TO THE THRONE: THE PURPOSE OF PREPARATION

(Psalm 78)

Pastor Jaime taught that God anoints before He appoints and promotes. David was anointed while still a shepherd, years before he would sit on the throne of Israel. During those in-between years, God used the field to prepare him for the palace, reminding us that God’s preparation is purposeful and often longer than we expect.

David’s willingness to care for the sheep, fight the lion and the bear, and obey God in the small things prepared him for the moment he would face Goliath and eventually rule Israel with integrity. Pastor urged us to remain faithful in our “field seasons” and to trust that God is using them to shape us for His glory, not our own, and for His purposes, not our plans.

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6, KJV)

Just as David faithfully shepherded sheep before reigning as king, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, laid down His life for the sheep and took it up again (John 10:11, 17-18). Jesus bore the weight of our sin on the cross, died, and rose again so that we could be forgiven, adopted into God’s family, and prepared for His eternal purposes. It is only through trusting in Jesus that we can be made ready for God’s calling on our lives.

Reflection Questions(Psalm 78)

1. Where has God placed you in a “field season,” and how are you choosing faithfulness there today?

2. What “private battles” is God using in your life to prepare you for future callings?

3. Are you letting God shape your heart in hidden places, or are you only focused on public recognition and opportunity?

   
   

Let us remain faithful in the hidden places, trust God’s process in our private battles, and allow Him to prepare our hearts so that we may be used for His purposes in His perfect timing.

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15, KJV)

Attend Harvest Baptist Church