PERSONAL JOURNAL:
SIN ( 1 Samuel 18:8-9 ): Saul’s jealousy towards David was unfounded, but regardless he harped on a few words of a song to stir that jealousy. He could have relished in the fact that his armies as a whole were successful thanks to his appointing of David as one of his leaders. Instead, he was stuck on the fact that the people were singing better praises to David instead of him. How often has the enemy stuck me in this same trap, Father? I see someone else get more praise than I receive even though I did most of the work and I become a bit jealous as a result. My mindset should be that I do my best work regardless of the praise because I am honoring You in all that I do, yet for some reason I still let jealousy come into my heart every so often. Please forgive me for this, Father. Help me to not only remember to glorify You in all that I do, but to also celebrate the praise others receive instead of become jealous over it.
PROMISE ( 1 Samuel 18:12, 28 ): Just as You promised, You are with David throughout this entire scripture. It is because of You that he is so successful and becoming so well-liked and accepted by all of Your people. You are shining so brightly out of David, that even Saul recognized that You are with him.
ATTITUDE ( 1 Samuel 18:18, 23 ): In these two verses, David exemplifies great humility twice! He is being presented by Saul with one of his daughters and for each daughter David expresses great humility in stating he is not worthy to become the son-in-law of the king of Israel. David knew that his status amongst the people was not very high and royal like that of Saul in the present, but now that I think of it Saul came from a very similar background and was appointed king by You. I’m not sure if David knew of Saul’s background or not, but I do find his humility a pleasing attitude as well as something I know I need to work on.
COMMAND ( 1 Samuel 18:30 ): I see Your previous command to Samuel to anoint David for greatness coming to fruition here. You could have easily struck down Saul and immediately placed Samuel in his place. Instead, You saw a greater plan. One that would win the hearts of all Your people towards David, but at the same time with David honoring, praising, and glorifying You throughout all that he did. You are David’s focus throughout this plan and that is reflected in all that he is and does. He is truly becoming a great man just as You planned for.
EXAMPLE ( 1 Samuel 18:28-30 ): Oftentimes, the success of someone who is a subordinate to us can cause some jealousy within. This is clearly evident in the case of Saul and David. Although David is doing Your work with You residing in him to give him great success, Saul feels that since he put David in-charge of the small army that he should get the credit for all of David’s good works. Saul is becoming enraged and probably even a little bit crazy with his jealousy and distrust of David; in this scripture You say that it’s to the point that Saul considers David his enemy from that point forward. WOW! Talk about harboring negativity and never accepting and celebrating the positivity around him.
*DAILY NOTE: Saul was engulfed in the flames of jealousy to the point that he decided to consider David an enemy of his. You are being glorified through David with all of his success in battles. Saul’s kingdom is technically becoming successful as David is leading his army to many victories, but he can’t see it that way. He only sees that David is getting the praise. He can’t see that his kingdom is becoming a powerhouse once again and can stand against the Philistines again. I have had this burning jealousy in me before, Father, so I am grateful for today’s quiet time. I am grateful that You spoke to my heart and reminded me of my past today to ensure that I do not go back to who I was. Who I am today in Christ is a FAR better person than who I was in the past without Him. Thank You for all You have done for me, Father!
EXPAND TO READ: GENERAL NOTE FOR MY QUIET TIMES
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