READING: 1 Samuel 20:1-21:15, Psalm 34
To be a man of God is not a guarantee that you won’t be treated poorly or accused wrongly. David learned that as King Saul turned on him and sought to kill him. David was the Lord’s anointed one, but Saul was so controlled by rage and jealousy that he turned against him even as his own kingdom unraveled. When David met with Saul’s son, Jonathan, his question to the son was a logical one: “What is my crime? How have I offended your father that he is so determined to kill me?” (1 Sam 20:1). Jonathan did not immediately believe Saul would break his previous vow against having David killed, but he did know that his friend was innocent. Indeed, he defended David in conversation with his father more than once:
- (from yesterday’s reading) “The king must not sin against his servant David, He’s never done anything to harm you. He has always helped you in any way he could.” (1 Sam 19:4)
- “But why should he be put to death? What has he done?” (1 Sam 20:32)
Saul was not the only enemy David faced, though. What David learned through all these events we learn in Psalm 34: “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears (v. 4). . . . In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles (v. 6). . . . The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help (v. 17). . . . The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time” (v. 19). Even when we face trouble and opposition, we can trust the Lord turns His face against evil people and hears the cries of His children.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Have you ever faced opposition that made little sense to you?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, thank You that You hear our cries for help.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 22:1-2, Psalm 57, Psalm 142, 1 Chronicles 12:8-18, 1 Samuel 22:3-23, Psalm 52, 1 Samuel 23:1-12
