The Daily Word: Sunday, May 16th, 2021
1 Samuel 18:5-19:24
John 8:31-59
Psalm 112:1-10
Proverbs 15:12-14
For full text click here.
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Therefore Saul removed him from his presence, and made him his captain over a thousand; and he went out and came in before the people. And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. – 1 Sam. 18:13-14
David had done nothing wrong. When Saul was troubled with a “distressing spirit” (1 Sam. 16:14), David played music for Saul and Saul was made well. When Saul faced a giant, David stepped in:
Then David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” – 1 Sam. 17:32
But in response to David’s faithful service and constant victory, Saul “eyed David” (v 9). He viewed him suspiciously! Saul was jealous and insecure; and those emotions got the best of him.
But note David’s response. Saul was literally trying to kill David for no reason (v 11)! But David, “…behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him” (v 14). When people attack you for no reason, don’t retaliate! Bite your tongue from saying things you don’t really mean. It doesn’t matter who is out to get you, or what they are trying to do to sabotage your destiny! God will work it all for good.
David took the high road. He continued to serve Saul, even when Saul didn’t deserve it! And as a result, God gave David victory and favor everywhere he went. What’s more, because David proved he could be trusted to act with integrity no matter what, God gave David the kingdom:
Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Indeed we are your bone and your flesh. Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them in; and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and be ruler over Israel.’” – 2 Sam. 5:1-2
Prayer:
Father, help me to behave wisely as I wait for my destiny to unfold. Help me by the power of Your Holy Spirit to swallow my pride and continue to serve with my whole heart! No matter who attacks me, I will respond with integrity, forgiveness and grace. You alone – no one else! – determines my destiny, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.