Restraint in a Cave

1 Samuel 24:5 "Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe." 

Saul had been pursuing David in order to kill him.  During this pursuit, Saul takes a break in a cave that David and his men just happen to be hiding in.  This was David's chance to kill Saul but he doesn't.  He just cuts off a corner of his robe... and then feels guilty about even doing that!

David had a chance that most men would have taken advantage of.  But instead of seeking revenge, he shows restraint.  And even in his restraint, he feels bad! How quickly do I want to seek vengeance or get back at someone?  If I was in that cave, what would I have done?  God wants vengeance to be his.  Jesus wants us to love and forgive our enemies.  That's very hard to do in a cave, and in 2011. 

Dear Jesus, help me act like David and leave the vengeance thing to you.  Amen.

Insecure Saul

1 Samuel 18:29 "...Saul became still more afraid of him, and he remained his enemy the rest of his days."

David has become very successful because the Lord is with him.  His continued success begins to drive Saul crazy.  At first Saul is angry about all the attention David is getting, but soon becomes afraid of David.  Instead of focusing on leading the nation and following God, Saul becomes paranoid and jealous of David.

Why do we concern ourselves so much with what other people have and have accomplished?  Why do we care so much about their stuff?  Envy and jealousy can be so destructive. It's so easy to look at others and see what they have gained and the praise they recieve and feel poorly about ourselves.  This is when envy begins to grow-and it all stems from our own insecurities!  In Christ, we have no reason to feel insecure.  We have eternal security in Jesus!  Today, I need to focus on God and what he wants, celebrate others' victories, and be confident in my own skin!

Dear Jesus, help me to not be jealous or envious or fearful of anyone today.  Amen.

Saul's Risky Decision

1 Samuel 17:37 "...Go and the Lord be with you."

The story of David and Goliath is just too good to pass up!  Even as an adult, I still love this story!  David, the boy shepherd pleads with King Saul to allow him to go fight Goliath.  Eventually, Saul concedes and says to David, "Go and the Lord be with you."

I thought today I'd see this story through Saul's eyes.  His days are numbered as king and he chooses to take a risk on this boy.  What was he thinking?  His troops must have been skeptical and must have mocked him.  Maybe for a moment, Saul was in tune with God's will?  Maybe for a moment, he chose to do the right thing and display faith in God?  Sometimes God's will doesn't make much sense.  But sometimes, when God speaks, or leads, or prompts us, we need to just obey.

Dear Jesus, help me follow your leading this week and obey you at each step. Amen.

Sweet Harp Music

1 Samuel 16:21 "David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers."

God has decided that Saul is no longer fit to be king.  He has Samuel go and anoint the new king-the boy David.  Before Saul gets word of the new change in regime, he invites David into his home to play the harp for him!  What a coincidence!  How ironic!

I can picture Saul swaying away in his hammock to David's sweet harp music with no idea in the world what was about to happen.  Saul even goes so far as to make David his armor-bearer!  I think this story shows how God often orchestrates situations in an amazing, fantastic, and at times humorous way.  God is able to use any and all situations for his glory and the good of his people.  What situations have I found myself in right now?  God is using those for some purpose.  I better pay attention!

Dear Jesus, give me eyes to see what you have placed before me today.  Amen.

What I'm After

1 Samuel 13:14 "...the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart..."

Saul in his early days as king screws up and Samuel tells him that the Lord is already looking for his replacement!  Samuel tells Saul that God is seeking a man who is after his own (the Lord's) heart.  This assumes Saul was not after God's heart and had to have been heard to hear for Saul.  Although maybe not since he wasn't after God's heart in the first place!

I am "after" so many things.  I'm after a great marriage, strong family, nice home, solid income, exciting vacations, nice cars, physical health, spiritual maturity...and on and on I could go.  But where is God on the list?  Is he in the top ten?  Is he #1?  Is he alone the list?  Am I truly after his heart?  What if I sought after his heart alone, and let the rest take care of itself?  What does that look like and how do I get there? 

Dear Jesus, help me seek after your heart alone.  Amen.