The Life of David (audio)

It’s Not about Me

August 20-You Will be King

Journey through 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 23.7-29 “You will be king over Israel”

Focus Verse-1 Samuel 23.17

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

Insight-You try to imagine what must be going through Jonathan’s mind.  He has always been faithful to God, he has led the people better than his father, heir to the throne, etc.  He probably could have been a great king.  But because of his father’s sins, he understands that God will give the throne to David.  Jonathan had every reason to be jealous of David and to oppose him in any and every way, but instead, he remains loyal to David, his friend.

Instead of entertaining the jealousy, he chooses to support David.  You get the sense that it is because he is willing to trust that God knows what He is doing and even if it isn’t according to Jonathan’s plans, it will be okay.

Active Response-It is hard when you feel usurped.  Everything within us wants to fight back.  I want to be able to trust God so wholeheartedly that I can really rejoice with those who are rejoicing, even if it feels like it may be, at that time, at my expense.  I want to be the type of person who lovingly carries those around me because I know that God is carrying me.

Loving God, thank You for holding me and my world in Your hands.  Help me to learn from You as You carry me so that I can be used by You to carry others.  Amen.

August 19-He Inquired of the LORD

Journey through 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 23.1-6 “he inquired of the LORD”

Focus Verse-1 Samuel 23.4

Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him, “Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.”

Insight-I really appreciate how David consistently seeks God’s guidance concerning what he should do.  Not only that, rather than fearing the people when they doubt whether God really wants them to defend the village of Keilah, he essentially says, “Ok, let’s ask God and see what He wants us to do.”  Then, not only did he inquire of God, but they also immediately obeyed and followed through with what God led them to do.

Active Response-I need to be more consistent with looking to God for direction.  Not just in the big things, but in everything I do.  I want to learn to not just be consistent in seeking God’s direction, but also that I would learn to follow with immediate action.

Loving Leader, help me to seek Your guidance and to follow it closely in all that I do.  Amen.

August 18-Life and Death

Journey through 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 22.1-23 “and he became their leader”

Focus Verse-1 Samuel 22.2

All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.

Insight-Even as David is trying to hide, God is preparing him and using him to fulfill His purposes.  The people see in David a man of integrity and high moral character.  They see in him a leader that they will follow to the end.  It’s interesting that as Saul’s anger continues to increase, his men are having a more difficult time following him.

As David hides, he seeks God’s guidance and protection.  As Saul pursues, he does things his way as he tries to protect himself.  David is bringing and preserving life, Saul is taking it.

Active Response-I want to be a man of integrity who is seen as one who is worth following because I am following a greater Leader, Jesus.  I want my life to be one that is bigger than just preserving itself, but bringing and preserving life for others.

Jesus, lead me into Your heart, Your mind, and Your life.  You are my protector and my strength.  Thank you.  Amen.

August 14-On the Run

Journey through 1 Samuel

1 Samuel 19.1-24 “David made good his escape”

Focus Verse-1 Samuel 19.4-5

Jonathan spoke well of David to Saul his father and said to him, “Let not the king do wrong to his servant David; he has not wronged you, and what he has done has benefited you greatly. ⁵ He took his life in his hands when he killed the Philistine. The LORD won a great victory for all Israel, and you saw it and were glad. Why then would you do wrong to an innocent man like David by killing him for no reason?”

Insight-Sometimes some people make things difficult for us even when we’ve done nothing to deserve it.  Sometimes it’s not about us.  Saul’s fear and jealousy of David has continued to grow unchecked and so again and again, Saul keeps throwing spears at David.  When people “throw spears” at us, we can, for a while, continue to be around them, attempting to love and serve them from up close.  But when it reaches a point where there seems to be now lasting change, we need to follow David’s example and remove ourselves from the situation.

Meanwhile, Saul is so consumed by anger and jealousy that he can’t see how David is actually his greatest ally and support.  Fortunately, David’s character has not gone unnoticed by others who are there to stand by him and to protect him.

Active Response-I want to continue to learn lay my pride and my agenda aside.  So often they can drive a wedge between me and others as I try to preserve my own kingdom, rather than pursuing the kingdom of God.   I want to have the wisdom and grace to love those who persecute me and to know when to love them from up close and when to love them from a distance.

God, help me to always run to You in every situation.  Show me the best ways to love and lead me in those ways.  Amen.