2 Samuel begins with Saul’s death. Chapter one tells of his death and David’s reaction. Chapter two shows David seeking God’s advice and being anointed king over Judah, the northern kingdom. Also, we see Abner anointing Ish-bosheth, Saul’s remaining son, king over Israel, the southern kingdom.
Both armies met at the pool of Gibeon. 2 Samuel 2:14 says, “And Abner said to Joab, ‘Let the young men arise and compete before us.’ And Joab said, ‘Let them arise.’” They arose, each sending 12 men to fight. They each caught their opponent by the head and thrust their sword in their opponent’s side. All 24 died. Not the brightest way to fight! A battle broke out after this and one of Joab’s brothers, Asahel, ran after Abner; Abner ends up killing him. That brings Joab and his other brother, Abishai, pursuing Abner. Joab ends up retreating, but David’s men won the battle 20 deaths to 360 deaths. Chapter three tells of Joab and Abishai getting their revenge on Abner and of Ish-bosheth’s death.
There you have the cliff notes version of the first four chapters of 2 Samuel.
There are two stories in these chapters that show David’s moral character. If you remember, there were a couple of times when Saul was chasing David when David could have killed him and did not because Saul had been anointed by God. Even though it would have been viewed as a proper response to the situation, David didn’t do it. In 2 Samuel 1 an Amalekite man comes to David to report Saul’s death. He tells how Saul, near death already, asks to be put out of his misery and how he honors that request. David kills him. In 2 Samuel 4 we read that after Abner was killed Ish-bosheth lost his courage. Two captains of raiding bands for Ish-bosheth realized they were on the losing side and wanted to find a way to show their loyalty to David. They killed Ish-bosheth and brought his head to David. They were proud of their actions, and thought David would be as well. Just like the Amalekite man, David has them killed.
One more side note…In chapter four we are also introduced to a character who doesn’t come into play until chapter 9. Verse 4 says, “Jonathan, the son of Saul, had a son who was crippled in his feet. He was five years old when the news about Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled, and as she fled in her haste, he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.” Just keep that mouthful in mind (muh·fi·buh·sheth).
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
When you think of your own moral character, how would you rate yourself?
When the world says something is right and good do you consider if that is how God views it? Who do you choose to follow?
Keeping in mind 2 Samuel 1:14, what are some things that David – and God – would suggest we should be afraid of?
My husband used to be in sales and sometimes the leads he had were in the evening and a fair distance from home. To stay awake while driving, in addition to opening his windows and turning the radio way up, he sometimes made up songs. He’s quite clever and I thought some were pretty good. Creativity can be fun.
Psalms are poems. Songs are poems put to music. They are often used to help the Israelites remember their content. Only one of these Psalms is directly attributed to David. We don’t know who wrote the others, but they are all titled A Song of Ascents and were sung by travelers, likely on their way to Jerusalem for one of the yearly feasts. These musical poems prompted the Israelites to look at God from many perspectives.
121 – God is their helper and creator. He doesn’t sleep, so He is always watching out for them.
123 – They recognize God is in heaven and they look to Him for mercy.
124 – They acknowledge God as their protector.
125 – They see that God surrounds them – he sees everything, all the time. He brings peace to Israel.
128 – They understand that they need to fear the Lord, and that blessings come from His hand.
129 – They speak of God’s righteousness. They speak of those who hate Zion (are against Israel) that they will be put to shame.
130 – They talk of His forgiveness and the hope Israel has through God’s love. They know He will redeem them.
As they traveled, their focus was on God, whom they were going to worship. These songs would have prepared their hearts, minds and attitudes to come before God.
Get creative, and consider making up your own poem, set to music or not, to tell of what God means to you. Which of His characteristics do you want to tell about? Here’s an easy way to start – borrowing some of what we read today.
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who __________. As __________ surrounds my home, so the Lord surrounds me. Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord. Lord, bless me with __________ and __________. The Lord is righteous. May all who harm your people, Lord, be __________. O Lord, hear my voice; listen to my pleas for __________. I wait for the Lord; I wait for _________. My hope is in you, Lord!
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Before you head off to church, take some time to prepare your heart, mind and attitude to come before your amazing God. What will it look like for you to do that? Spend some time in God’s word, or in prayer? Sing some praise songs?
Which of God’s traits are you clinging to right now? Is there someone you can reach out to who can offer support?
Do you have good days? Days when you feel God’s hand moving in your life. Days when you feel protected. Days when you feel good about doing what is right.
David wrote this Psalm on a good day. On a day that God delivered him from his enemies. Here is a small sample of what David faced:
Vs 4 – the cords of death encompassed me
Vs 16 – he drew me out of many waters
Vs 17 – rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me
Vs 18 – they confronted me in the day of my calamity
Vs 48 – my enemies, the man of violence
I’m guessing most of us don’t face literal enemies who are trying to kill us. However, we do face the enemy every day. Does that sound crazy to you? Do you consider that Satan is attacking you on every front every day?
Here are some ways Satan attacks each one of us: temptations, deception & lies, discouragement, fear, doubt, and the list goes on. But, as I often ask, what does that look/sound like? I believe it’s different, specifically, for each of us. What tempts me might not tempt you at all. Here are some examples:
A group of friends or co-workers are talking about someone you know. They are suggesting this person is doing some really bad things. You feel included when you are part of the conversation and you like that feeling. You feel important being “in the know” when you see others later and share the details discussed. Information is power and you like holding that power.
Things haven’t been going well for you. Maybe it’s being overlooked for a job promotion. Maybe it’s relationships falling apart. Maybe it’s an illness. You begin to be discouraged. You start to doubt God’s goodness and love for you. You listen to the voice telling you that you will always be a failure, you won’t ever get well, God doesn’t care, nobody cares….
So what did David do when he faced all of these enemies? He called out to God (vs 6 “In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help”). That should be our first response to any attack by the enemy.
In verses 20-24 David tells us how he made the right choices, followed God’s rules, and was blameless before him. I know I can’t say that about myself. But, looking at what we know of all people, and what we know about David later in his life, we know no one always does what is right (except Jesus, but this was long before his time…). David wanted to do what was right. I want to do what is right. David expresses in this Psalm that his strength to be blameless (forgiven?) comes from God; that his support comes from God; that God rescues him from his enemies. We, having the same God as David, can trust in God’s strength, in His support and in His deliverance.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Do you call out to God FIRST when your enemies attack? Think of a time you called out to God for his help (even if it was as a last resort) and you saw His deliverance. Share that with someone who is struggling (maybe that’s you).
Cross check your thoughts against God’s Word. We often “hear” what we want to hear when it is really the enemy speaking, not God. God will never tell you something or lead you somewhere that contradicts Scripture.
On your good days, don’t forget to thank God. Did you call out to God for help, clarity, protection, strength, etc. today? What can you thank Him for, even while you wait for other answers?
We all think that what we want, the way we think something should be, is a just cause. But is it, really? Lots of things can sound like noble causes, but would they be in God’s eyes? I have been known to think I’m right about something when I’m actually wrong. For example, because texts & emails don’t allow for any verbal cues or body language to help with interpreting the message, they are often misunderstood. I have made the mistake of assuming someone’s intent based on a few words I read on my phone. I have made the mistake of responding unbecomingly – by responding directly to the person with a bad attitude, or worse yet, talking to others about what they sent to me, pleading my “just cause”. I have found myself in the position of having to humble myself and apologize. Maybe you’ve been there, too.
David considered his cause to be just and he wanted God to be the one to vindicate him.
In Psalm 17, David calls on God
To hear him – verse 6b: incline your ear to me; hear my words.”
To show him His love – verse 7a: “Wondrously show your steadfast love,”
To protect him – verse 8: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings,”
David also takes a look at himself
Verse 3b: I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”
Verse 4b: “I have avoided the ways of the violent.”
Verse 5: My steps have held fast to your paths; my feet have not slipped.”
David tells God what his enemies are doing
Verse 9a: “the wicked who do me violence”
Verse 10: “they close their hearts to pity; with their mouths they speak arrogantly.”
Verse 12: “…like a lion eager to tear”
David asks God to stop the wicked
Verses 13: “Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,”
David raises his just cause before God. He fully trusts God will see the good and right as well as the ugly and evil. He believes God will respond justly, because that is His character.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Taking time to do a self-evaluation can help us see our “causes” (desires) in a more accurate light. When faced with a negative situation, before responding or reacting ask yourself some important questions:
Are my priorities what I want them to be?
Am I being self-centered?
Do I need to right a wrong?
Are you confident in your choices to welcome God’s testing of your heart? If not, what can you do to move in that direction?
A quick review of the story of how David and Abigail meet (if you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading 1 Samuel 25):
David has been running from king Saul for some time
David and his men camped in the wilderness near a rich man’s flock of sheep and their shepherds
When it became time to shear the sheep David sent some men to ask the owner (Nabal) for some sheep & food for his men
They went on a feast day – a day of celebrating the profits the owners of the flocks would make
David’s men tell Nabal how they had protected his shepherds and flocks and then ask for food to be shared with them in thanks for their efforts
Nabal, whose name means “fool”, sent David’s men away empty handed
David’s response was to command, “Every man strap on his sword!”
One of Nabal’s shepherds went to Nabal’s wife, Abigail, and told her what had happened – he understood that Nabal’s response to David would bring harm to the household
Here is where we meet Abigail. Abigail is one of my favorite Bible characters. She is brave, wise and humble. A great example of strength.
The first thing we learn about Abigail is in verse 3 where we are told she is discerning and beautiful. We then see her in action in verse 18, “Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two skins of wine and five sheep already prepared and five seahs of parched grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys.”
And, it’s not just what she does, but how she does it! First, she reacts quickly. When we know the right thing to do we should “make haste” and get it done.
Reading on we see David ready to kill every male in Nabal’s household. But Abigail intervenes. Verses 23-24 say, “When Abigail saw David, she hurried and got down from the donkey and fell before David on her face and bowed to the ground. She fell at his feet and said, “On me alone, my lord, be the guilt. Please let your servant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your servant.” Again, we see her moving – she hurried and got down. Then, even though she had nothing to do with Nabal’s words and inaction, she offers David great respect by bowing before him. She asks that Nabal’s guilt be on her. Why would she do this? To save her whole household. So, after reacting quickly, Abigail humbles herself to make peace for her household.
Only after humbling herself does she offer the gifts of food she brought for David and his men. The tangible gifts are secondary to her words, posture/body language, and attitude.
Abigail boldly tells David he should accept her gift and not continue with his plan to attack. She reminds him that he doesn’t want to have that blood on his hands/conscience when he becomes ruler over Israel. David accepts her gift and blesses her for her cautionary words of advice.
Abigail’s strength does not stop with this one encounter with David. She continues to exhibit strength when she goes home and courageously faces her husband, telling him she went against his directives. She even bravely waits until he has sobered up from celebrating before approaching him. This news kills Nabal.
In verse 31 Abigail asks David to remember her. In verses 39-42 we see David hearing about Nabal’s death and sending for Abigail to be his wife. The strength of character she demonstrated to David wound up providing for her at a time when she would have likely had nothing left and no one to take care of her.
Amy Blanchard
Reflection Questions
Do you consider yourself to be strong? Discerning, acting quickly, being humble, being a peace-maker, bold, courageous, brave…this is strength. True strength comes from God; ask Him to help you grow in these areas.
When faced with conflict or a negative situation, whether involving your own choices or not, what do your words, posture/body language, and attitude reflect is in your heart?
Like Psalm 34, which we highlighted yesterday, Psalm 56 for today was also written when the Philistines had seized David in Gath. And just like yesterday’s psalm, this one starts with David begging God for help.
Then, in verses 3 and 4, David says this, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?”
I see a pattern here that David liked to repeat:
He acknowledged his fear, “When I am afraid.” Fear is a natural reaction when in danger – either real or perceived.
David then made a deliberate decision to trust God. This is not a normal reaction, it is an intentional decision, flying in the face of the natural fear.
David praised God for delivering him – before he had been delivered. (In this case, David praised God’s word, but often, he just praised God.) When David did this, he was stepping out on faith, believing God would answer his prayers.
Finally, in the assurance God would help him, David banished his fear, “I will not be afraid.”. Notice he chose to not fear what mortal man could do to him.
This reminds me of Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28, “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This is a pattern I have also tried to follow in my own life. Many times, I have cried out to God, confessing my fear. I have then made a deliberate decision to trust that whatever God has for me is best, whether I know it (or like it) or not. Then praise God for his promise that all things work together for my good – because I love God. Finally, with God’s help, I let Him lift my burden off my shoulders, whether it is fear, or whatever else it is.
With the fears swirling around now, whether Covid-19, or unemployment, or difficulty finding what you want at the grocery store, or … You have a choice. You can succumb to fear, or you can follow David’s example.
I challenge you to try this pattern with whatever makes you fearful today. Then you can say, like David wrote in yesterday’s reading from Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” And from today’s reading in 56:11, “In God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”
–Steve Mattison
(originally posted April 15, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
What have you been afraid about in the past? What has God already successfully brought you through?
When is fear helpful? Do you have a healthy fear of God? Do you fear only God?
What makes you fearful today (besides God)? Would you like to conquer this fear? Write out David’s steps to replace fear with faith and keep them in a place you will see often and practice working through the steps – over and over again.
This week we are choosing past devotions to repost, but I had a hard time choosing just one – so here are 3 for you! SeekGrowLove today!
ON PSALM 27 –
(from 2021) You may have noticed that the SeekGrowLove blog features a key verse: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” from Jeremiah 29:13. The LORD confirms that our seeking is worth it, because ultimately, we will find Him. However, there is an important requirement; we need to seek with all our heart. What does this phrase “with all our heart” really look like? How can we seek “with all our heart”? Perhaps “with all our heart” seeking is completely and sincerely devoted. Maybe determined and enthusiastic. This type of seeking is relentless, full of passion for what is right. It can’t be stopped. Psalm 27:4 states, “The one thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Verse 8 continues, “My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.’” You can hear the determination in that statement. The writer wants to be in the presence of the LORD. They are completely and sincerely devoted. Enthusiastic for the presence of the LORD. They are pursuing him ‘with all their heart.’
This is what the LORD desires for us. “The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.” (Psalm 14:2) He wants us to seek him wholeheartedly. Passionately. Relentlessly. In life, we can be distracted with many pursuits, desires, and distractions. However, we can choose to refocus on the one who matters. We can choose to seek “with all our heart.” The benefits of this type of “with all our heart” seeking is great. Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This desire to be close to God will be rewarded. We are rewarded today with our close loving relationship with God and later when we see Him face to face. So, if you start to feel discouraged or distracted, remember who our seeking will lead to: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3,4)
-Rebecca Dauksas (originally posted February 25, 2021 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 34 –
In yesterday’s lesson, I neglected to point out a story from 1 Samuel 21 that is relevant to today’s reading. When David ran away from Saul, he escaped to Gath (enemy territory) so Saul wouldn’t keep chasing him. The king’s servants pointed out that David was the man about which they sang, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid, so he pretended he was insane – scratching on the doors, and letting his saliva run down his beard. When the king saw this, he thought David was crazy, and sent him away.
David wrote Psalm 34 after this experience. Here are some verses that stand out to me.
V 3, “Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.”
V 4, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
V 6, “This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.”
V 7, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
V 8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
V 12-14, “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
V 15, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;”
V 19, “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all’
We need to be quick to praise God for whatever he does for us, just like David did. It’s easy to cry out to God when times are tough, but sometimes it’s harder to remember to praise Him and let others know what He has done for us. This is important too.
What I really like about this chapter are the multiple times that David points out that we will experience difficult times, but God sees us through those times. I like the image conveyed by verse 7. When I’m going through a hard time, it’s comforting to imagine God sending an angel to protect me. This doesn’t mean I won’t have difficulties, but God sees me through. God is attentive to the righteous.
In verse 8, I picture David saying, “I’ve been through some hard times, but I’ve remained faithful to God, and God has pulled me through. I want to encourage you to develop a close relationship with the Lord. Once you experience that relationship and experience His helping you through those difficulties, then you too can understand how good God is.”
I have to echo David’s words, because I’ve been there. So I encourage you too, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
–Steve Mattison (originally posted April 14, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
ON PSALM 52 –
For the Christian it is considered a “no brainer” that our trust is supposed to be found in God. But so often the stresses and worries of the world come against us, and we may forget that we serve a mighty God who cares deeply for us.
Here in Psalm 52 we are shown a great contrast between David here and his enemy. David wrote this Psalm during the time when he was constantly on the run from Saul, who was chasing him down to kill him, out of jealousy. David lost many years of his life running from Saul but he never lost his trust in God. At this time David had amassed a group of strong men who were ready to fight for him, but Saul, having the armies of Israel behind him, had the greater strength. David had support from people who gave him food and supplies as he ran from place to place, but Saul had all the riches of Israel behind him. But the important thing is that David had God with him, and God had promised him the throne of Israel that Saul currently sat on.
David was able to stay strong in his faith because he had seen God help him against overwhelming odds again and again, the most notable time was when he took on the nine foot tall giant, Goliath all on his own. There were actually two times during David’s years of running, that we are told about, where David had the chance to rely on his own strength to defeat Saul. Once was when Saul went to relieve himself in a cave, not knowing that David was hiding in the cave. The other time, the Bible says that God caused the entire army that was with Saul to go into a deep sleep and David was able to sneak right up next to Saul. Both times the man who was with David encouraged him to kill Saul and take the throne. But each time David refused, saying that he would not harm the Lord’s anointed. It would have been so easy for David to trust in his own strength in that moment, and no longer have to keep running for his life, but just like when David faced Goliath, David put his trust in God and not in himself. And because David did trust God, he never had to draw his sword against Saul or anyone in his family. In one single battle, Saul and all of his sons were taken out by the Philistines. God provided David the throne without David having to shed blood. David’s faith in what probably seemed like the hopeless situation of being relentlessly chased down by King Saul, paid off in the end. Years later after David had become king, he penned another Psalm, in which he said, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” I hope and pray each day to have the kind of faith and trust in God like David had, and I hope you do as well.
-Jonny Smith (originally posted February 22, 2023 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
Is there a time you have trusted in God through a tough situation? What was the result? Who have you seen trust God through a tough situation and emerge with an even stronger faith in God?
What do you sometimes put your trust in instead? How does that work? Why?
What has God shown about Himself in your reading today?
In today’s reading, we see more examples of Saul’s rebellion against God and his hatred of David. Ahimelech the priest had inquired of the Lord for David. In his rage, Saul ordered that not only Ahimelech, but all the priests must be killed – so Doeg the Edomite, one of Saul’s goons, killed 85 priests, then went to their town and killed every man, woman, and child (and its cattle, donkeys, and sheep). In chapter 23, Saul chased David and tried to kill him multiple times.
In chapter 24, David finally has his opportunity for revenge. Saul was again chasing David. David and his men were hiding in the Desert of En Gedi. Saul and 3000 chosen troops were in hot pursuit. Along the way, Saul needed to go to the bathroom. He wanted a little privacy, so he stepped into a cave to relieve himself. Little did he know that David and his men were hiding further back in that very cave.
If you were David, what would you have done? Would you have eliminated the threat to your life, and ushered in your reign as king? To be perfectly honest, I think that’s exactly what I would have done. David’s men encouraged David to kill Saul, but instead, David crept up to Saul, and cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
Afterward, David was conscience stricken and said, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.”
Wow! Clearly Saul was a scoundrel, but David spared his life because God had made him king. I think we can learn a lesson or two from David’s respect for the office of authority, even when the man in the office wasn’t worthy of respect.
This is exactly what we’re told to do in 1 Peter 2:13-14 – “For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right.”
David’s actions also remind me of Romans 12:17-18 – “Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”
So too, we need to submit to authority, even when we don’t like the person in authority, or what they are doing. Also, we need to be intentional about never repaying evil for evil.
To finish today’s story, because David had spared Saul’s life, Saul promised to leave David alone, and returned home (for now). David and his men went up to their stronghold. God had protected David yet again.
Steve Mattison
(originally posted April 13, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)
Reflection Questions
What do you admire about David?
When have you found it difficult to pass when given the opportunity for revenge, a cutting comment, or having the last word? What is the world’s position on paying back evil for evil? What is God’s? What is the advantage to leaving it up to God to be the judge, rather than taking out revenge for wrongs done against us?
In what ways do you think God wants to see Christians submit to authority today?
Today’s reading, found in 1 Samuel chapters 18 through 20, highlights how far Saul has fallen from his successes of chapter 14. (Remember from chapter 15, that Saul had deliberately disobeyed a direct command from God, and things have been going from bad to worse for him since.)
In 18:10-11, we read, “The very next day a tormenting spirit from God overwhelmed Saul, and he began to rave in his house like a madman. David was playing the harp, as he did each day. But Saul had a spear in his hand, and he suddenly hurled it at David, intending to pin him to the wall. But David escaped him twice.”
Once Saul decided to abandon God, God not only abandoned Saul, God tormented Saul. This should be a lesson to us – never disobey God – there are always negative consequences.
Saul became jealous of David, after David had killed Goliath, because the women of Israel sang this song, “Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” As a result of his jealousy, Saul tried to kill David with his spear in 18:11 and again in 19:10. Saul also tried to kill David by having the Philistines kill him in 18:17, 21, 25. In 19:1, Saul urged his servants and his son Jonathan to assassinate David. In 19:15, Saul ordered his men to bring David (and his bed) to Saul to be killed, when Saul thought David was sick in bed. In 19:20, 21 and 22 Saul unsuccessfully sent troops to get David three times.
In 20:30, Saul boiled with rage at his own son, Jonathan, who was friends with David, and in 20:33, Saul hurled his spear at Jonathan, intending to kill him.
So much for Saul, what about David?
If you were David, how would you react? What would you do?
Remember that Samuel had anointed David in chapter 16, and declared that David would be the next king over Israel. So what did David do? He wrote some songs about this. Let’s see what he said in those songs…
David wrote Psalm 59 when Saul sent his soldiers to watch David’s house in order to kill him. This psalm starts out, “Rescue me from my enemies, O God. Protect me from those who have come to destroy me. Rescue me from these criminals; save me from these murderers. They have set an ambush for me…”. This makes sense. David was in trouble, so he cried out to God for help. David continues in verse 9, “You are my strength; I wait for you to rescue me, for you, O God, are my fortress.”
Then an astounding thing happens. David starts praising God – in advance of God’s rescuing him. Psalm 59 ends with, “But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning, I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love.”
David, the man after God’s own heart was actually praising God when he was literally afraid for his life. This shows his great faith that God will indeed rescue him. Maybe this is one of the reasons he was called a “man after God’s own heart.”
Psalm 11, the other chapter from today’s reading also shows David’s faith through difficulty. It starts out, “I trust in the Lord for protection…”, and ends with “For the righteous Lord loves justice. The virtuous will see his face.”
I believe David’s response is a good example for us. When times are tough, it’s natural to cry out to God for help. We need to move on from just asking for help, and follow David’s example to also have faith and praise God, even before the answer comes. And in the process, we, too, may become people after God’s own heart.
–Steve Mattison
(originally posted April 12, 2020 for SeekGrowLove.com)
Reflection Questions
Compare and contrast Saul and David based upon what we know from 1 Samuel.
What do you see in your own life that is similar to Saul? And David?
What does it look like to show faith in God during the difficulty?
What difficulty (big or small) have you recently found yourself in, in which you can practice giving God praise even before the answer comes?
Being raised as a pastor’s kid, I probably took for granted the accessibility of all things church related. Being a Christian was something that was easily practiced because of the environment I was constantly in. I asked Jesus to come into my heart when I was 5 years old. I was baptized the summer before my eighth grade. But it wasn’t until I went off to college that I really realized that my faith was my own responsibility. If I was going to have Christian friends, I needed to find them on my own. If I was going to attend a mid-week Bible study, I needed to find it on my own. If I was going to attend a Sunday morning service, I needed to find it on my own. Mom and Dad weren’t there to guide and direct me. If I wanted to continue to build up my faith, it was now up to me.
As we read through King Saul’s life, we see that he was hand selected and groomed to take on the role of leading Israel – everything was handed to him. And as a result, he never really owned the responsibility of the position he was put in. He never connected the dots of being the leader of God’s people and having a relationship with God himself.
This is particularly evident in 1 Samuel 15. Saul has carried out God’s instructions of taking up arms against the Amalekites. Once Israel wins the battle, they were supposed to destroy everything: man, woman, child, cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys. Nothing was to be spared. But…that’s not what Saul did. He kept the best of the spoils. He claims that he was going to use the prime plunder as a sacrifice.
Here’s how I know that Saul didn’t own his relationship with God: in verses 21 and 30 of chapter 15, Saul refers to the LORD as Samuel’s God.
“…the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” (v 21)
“…come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” (v 30)
Saul didn’t understand his disobedience because he hadn’t bothered to grow a relationship with the One who made him king of Israel.
More than anything God desires to have a relationship with us. He wants us to seek Him more than any other person or pursue any other passion. When we grow our relationship with Him, we come to know the things that please Him as well as the things that displease Him. As we grow our relationship with God, our hearts swell with love for Him, His word, and His people. And when our hearts are full of love, obedience comes naturally.
Bethany Ligon
(originally posted for SeekGrowLove April 11, 2020)
Reflection Questions
Why is obeying Him important to God?
Have you ever felt like God is just someone else’s God?
Seek Grow Love 
