Freed From Insecurities

I wish you a great day! More than that, I really hope that God blesses you with a satisfying, rewarding life! Hearing from him regularly and responding to his commands and his counsel will lead you there. Today, we're listening for a word from God from 1 Samuel 18. As you read it, do you fit more accurately in David's shoes, Saul's shoes or Jonathan's shoes?

I'm intrigued by the contrast between Saul and Jonathan in regard to their feelings toward David. Two men--both members of the royal family, both with something to lose and something to gain--but two very different reactions to the success of another. David is the new star on the scene. The public loves him. All the papparazzis are pointing their cameras at him. He's on the cover of Israel Today and Jewish People.

Jonathan admires David's outstanding courage and charisma and is inspired to become his lifelong friend. It doesn't seem to matter to Israel's prince that this man is a potential threat to his heirship to the throne. Jonathan lives by the motto "What will be will be." If God has brought a better man than he to lead Israel, so be it. He recognizes that David is a leader of leaders, one who could really take Israel's fortunes to the next level, and he loves him for it.

King Saul is a different story.

Saul was very angry. . . "They have credited David with tens of thousands," he thought, "but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?" And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David. (v. 8-9)

It wasn't just that Saul was jealous of David.

When Saul saw how successful he was, he was afraid of him. (v. 15)

God, this story makes me stop and consider what insecurities I may have of my own. Why did David's success and popularity make a king angry, jealous and afraid? Saul was Israel's leader. I know that it is fairly common for us leaders to fear other up-and-coming leaders within our ranks. Those of us who lead can become paranoid that everyone is after our position. We can fear coworkers who are better than us in certain areas or who have more charisma. They threaten our sense of security. We may try to keep them down and sabotage their success out of jealousy and fear.

What you're telling me, Lord, is that all of that kind of behavior stems from insecurity and self-preoccupation. Great leaders attract other great leaders and welcome their contribution. Their primary objective is the success of the organization or project they are leading, and they know that it is wise to maximize the potential of their people. Great leaders make other leaders better. They see them as assets instead of threats. They're excited about the opportunity that those talented people present to learn and grow further themselves. This is the kind of leader that excels and is highly sought after. It is also the kind of person that is generally happy and enjoys what they do.

Security is more internal than external, isn't it God? We try to construct a secure life for ourselves by manipulating and controlling our environment when, in reality, the work needs to be done inside. As long as we're not comfortable with our own strengths and weaknesses, we're tormented by our fear of being upstaged. God, I would rather be like Jonathan in that I trust that your will and your plan will work out best. I want to be inspired rather than intimidated by those who excel to a higher level than I do. I choose to be happy with the person you created me to be. I am thankful for the opportunities that you grant me and I will be content with the role you want me to play. I give any fears and insecurities to you and replace them with your view of me and the security of your love for me. Thank you! Amen.

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