Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! This is Michele with you this morning, excited to have the opportunity to share with you what God has placed upon my heart regarding 1 Samuel 26. Again, David has the opportunity to kill Saul but doesn't follow through. Read it through and focus on David's response to this opportunity.
I can just imagine how David must have felt. Saul has been hunting him down for some time now without success. David is now given a second opportunity to end this whole nightmare but he chooses not to. What? Why? God, you handed him over to David. Was David being disobedient to you? Or....had he already made a decision to not kill Saul? Maybe this was a test from you to see how David would respond when he was asked to make a moral decision? Again. Was David honoring Saul or was he ultimately honoring you, Lord?
"God has surely handed your enemy over to you this time!" Abishai whispered to David. "Let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of the spear; I won't need to strike twice."
"No!" David said. "Don't kill him. For who can remain innocent after attacking the Lord's anointed one?" (v. 8-9)
Even under the pressure from Abishai, David doesn't seem to cave. He has already made the decision not to kill Saul and I don't believe it had anything to do with Saul himself. It was all about David's decision to honor you, Lord. Even when it would have been so easy to do what was wrong, David stood on his desire to please and honor you. What a great example of godliness he was to Abishai.
I've taught my son to make important moral decisions before he has to stand up against the pressure to make a bad choice. We are much stronger in situations of moral dilemma when we already know what our response will be. How about decisions regarding how you will conduct yourself at work (stealing anything from a paper clip to taking extra time during a break), at home (faithful to your spouse and upstanding as a parent), at school (will you follow the crowd when it comes to drinking or smoking or making fun of another classmate), in your relationships (will you have sex before marriage), etc. The list goes on and on.
Lord, I want to honor you with my life and in the decisions I make. There is always someone watching and waiting to see how I will respond in certain situations. I want to stand on my decision to follow you and not the ways of the world. Help me, Lord, and convict my heart when I'm tempted to make a decision that does not honor you. I want to leave a legacy of godliness to pass along to those who follow after me. I want to follow your ways even when I'm handed the opportunity to easily do the wrong thing. You are my master and my king...I choose to honor you! Amen
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
Flying Off the Handle?
Streams of living water in the desert...that is how it feels to step out of the world and its frustrations and into the blessed Word of God! May you be blessed today, as I am, with encouragment and comfort as we read and think about 1 Samuel 25. This is Katrinka writing today, glad to be able to share with you and receive a blessing back! God bless you each and every one. Join in with our discussion please, and share it as you see fit.
Chris wrote yesterday about the wonderful quality of nobility. It was an inspiring lesson to see David rise above the temptation to take revenge on Saul, the one who tried repeatedly to kill David. His noble character and trust in God to straighten things out instead of taking it into his own hands was a great example to me. Then I read chapter 25 and saw a totally different side of David! Here in this chapter he gets really mad for a reason that was not nearly as important as his encounter with King Saul in chapter 24.
David's pride got hurt! His men had been helpful with the sheep shearing of Nabal's flock. Since it was a festive time, David politely asked of the owner Nabal, "Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them."(v. 8). When David heard about Nabal's arrogant rejection and insults over his request, David lost it! I mean, he exploded into action probably yelling, "Put on your swords!" (v. 13). Then he went out for revenge with 400 men. David was frothing at the mouth, so to speak, when he said,
Hmmmmmm? Is this the same man we read about yesterday?? Is this the one who bowed low before his enemy and spared his life graciously? I guess David was human after all! I know that I can relate to this change of attitude. Sometimes I feel noble and can be magnanimous and open-minded. And at another time my humanity takes over and I can get all bent out of shape and lose my cool over something microscopic! Are you like that too?
That's when we all need someone like Abigail to come into the picture. Abigail, a woman. Abigail, the wife of the Nabal (which means Fool - v. 25). Now how in the world can this one little woman stand up against an army of 400 to save her home and family? With great courage and fast action, she took herself into the line of fire in an attempt to make peace with David. Abigail played a vital role in this scenario because she was a peacemaker. Jesus our Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
When we are raving and ranting, we need someone to calm us down and put things back into perspective. Abigail did just that. When she saw David, Abigail demonstrated what it is to be a peacemaker. In verses 23 and following we read of her humility, of her gentle reasoning with David. And then she spoke words that must have struck David to the heart, "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, ..." (v. 26).
You know what I hear when I read that? The Lord sent Abigail to David. God used a simple woman to speak words of wisdom to a mighty warrior who had defeated Goliath and had command of thousands of soldiers.
Isn't that a little ironic? Many times in my life I have found that the Lord does things like that. I believe that he is patient and kind and merciful and helpful to his children, and that he often prevents us from making great mistakes by sending someone or something--a voice--that brings about peace in our lives in place of conflict, hurt and pain.
You like happy endings? I do! This one has a perfect fairytale ending. To make a long story short, Nabal the ungrateful is struck dead by God! That was quick vengeance! Then David asks Abigail to marry him and, I believe, they lived "happily ever after." Isn't that ending a lot more satisfying than having it all end up in a bloodbath? I think so. And now the lesson for me and for you: Be a peacemaker, and listen to those peacemakers who God sends our way.
Dear Lord, bring about more peace in our lives as we trust in You and listen for your direction in our lives. Forgive us when we lose control and fly off the handle. Keep us calm in your Everlasting Love and care. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.
Chris wrote yesterday about the wonderful quality of nobility. It was an inspiring lesson to see David rise above the temptation to take revenge on Saul, the one who tried repeatedly to kill David. His noble character and trust in God to straighten things out instead of taking it into his own hands was a great example to me. Then I read chapter 25 and saw a totally different side of David! Here in this chapter he gets really mad for a reason that was not nearly as important as his encounter with King Saul in chapter 24.
David's pride got hurt! His men had been helpful with the sheep shearing of Nabal's flock. Since it was a festive time, David politely asked of the owner Nabal, "Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them."(v. 8). When David heard about Nabal's arrogant rejection and insults over his request, David lost it! I mean, he exploded into action probably yelling, "Put on your swords!" (v. 13). Then he went out for revenge with 400 men. David was frothing at the mouth, so to speak, when he said,
"It's been useless--all my watching over this fellow's property in the desert so that nothing of his was missing. He has paid me back evil for good. May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!"(vv. 21-22).
Hmmmmmm? Is this the same man we read about yesterday?? Is this the one who bowed low before his enemy and spared his life graciously? I guess David was human after all! I know that I can relate to this change of attitude. Sometimes I feel noble and can be magnanimous and open-minded. And at another time my humanity takes over and I can get all bent out of shape and lose my cool over something microscopic! Are you like that too?
That's when we all need someone like Abigail to come into the picture. Abigail, a woman. Abigail, the wife of the Nabal (which means Fool - v. 25). Now how in the world can this one little woman stand up against an army of 400 to save her home and family? With great courage and fast action, she took herself into the line of fire in an attempt to make peace with David. Abigail played a vital role in this scenario because she was a peacemaker. Jesus our Lord said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God." (Matthew 5:9).
When we are raving and ranting, we need someone to calm us down and put things back into perspective. Abigail did just that. When she saw David, Abigail demonstrated what it is to be a peacemaker. In verses 23 and following we read of her humility, of her gentle reasoning with David. And then she spoke words that must have struck David to the heart, "Now since the LORD has kept you, my master, from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hands, ..." (v. 26).
You know what I hear when I read that? The Lord sent Abigail to David. God used a simple woman to speak words of wisdom to a mighty warrior who had defeated Goliath and had command of thousands of soldiers.
Isn't that a little ironic? Many times in my life I have found that the Lord does things like that. I believe that he is patient and kind and merciful and helpful to his children, and that he often prevents us from making great mistakes by sending someone or something--a voice--that brings about peace in our lives in place of conflict, hurt and pain.
You like happy endings? I do! This one has a perfect fairytale ending. To make a long story short, Nabal the ungrateful is struck dead by God! That was quick vengeance! Then David asks Abigail to marry him and, I believe, they lived "happily ever after." Isn't that ending a lot more satisfying than having it all end up in a bloodbath? I think so. And now the lesson for me and for you: Be a peacemaker, and listen to those peacemakers who God sends our way.
Dear Lord, bring about more peace in our lives as we trust in You and listen for your direction in our lives. Forgive us when we lose control and fly off the handle. Keep us calm in your Everlasting Love and care. In Jesus' name we ask it, Amen.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Rise to Nobility
Welcome back! Every day there is a fresh supply of wisdom and inspiration from God. You just have to receive it! So let's listen to his heart from 1 Samuel 24 today. It's an easy read, so don't miss the blessing.
God is speaking to me today about nobility. Yeah, that's not a quality you hear much about anymore, is it? Living a noble life may not get you on TV or in the mags and definitely not in the Super Bowl half-time show, but it will win you honor and respect. It will also give you a deep sense that way down at your core, everything is good, as it should be.
David is being hunted like an animal by King Saul for nothing except pure envy. Saul has falsely accused David and slandered him and turned him into a target. Then Saul steps unwittingly into a cave where David is hiding with his men. At last, David has a chance to rid himself of Saul forever! Yet, he passes up the opportunity. I'm struck by what he says to Saul as he surprises him at the mouth of the cave:
May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you." (v. 12-13)
Hollywood's all about revenge. ABC even has a primetime show by that name. God, I have to admit that there are times that I have wanted revenge. Badly. There is something animal in us that wants to strike back when we've been wounded. I am totally impressed by David's self-restraint. Revenge was his for the taking and he let it go! And why would he do that? He wanted to live a noble life. I aspire to that kind of character, Lord. I want to entrust vengeance to you.
What impresses me even more is that David chose mercy over malice even when his whole band of men were egging him on. He could really have found good reason to listen to them. They were validating his anger and his craving for revenge. They even interpreted this fortuitous opportunity as God's will that David strike back. It's so easy to justify our hatred, God. It's such a temptation to tell our stories of betrayal to as many people as we can so that we can win their empathy and feel validated in getting even.
Lord, help me to have the moral courage to stand with you like David did, to push back against the voices that prod us to a life of anything less than nobility--especially the voice within. No wonder you called David a man after your own heart. His heart was noble. He lived above his petty, jealous, back-stabbing enemies. He rose above even his misguided friends. He took the high road, and he didn't even pat himself on the back for it. It wasn't just a show. He was real. It was who he was in you.
I choose the path of nobility, God. Lead me in it, and help me to instill it in my children. And thank you for the people who have modeled it for me so well. They are a glory to you! Amen.
Please share this post with your Facebook friends, and leave us a comment below! Peace.
God is speaking to me today about nobility. Yeah, that's not a quality you hear much about anymore, is it? Living a noble life may not get you on TV or in the mags and definitely not in the Super Bowl half-time show, but it will win you honor and respect. It will also give you a deep sense that way down at your core, everything is good, as it should be.
David is being hunted like an animal by King Saul for nothing except pure envy. Saul has falsely accused David and slandered him and turned him into a target. Then Saul steps unwittingly into a cave where David is hiding with his men. At last, David has a chance to rid himself of Saul forever! Yet, he passes up the opportunity. I'm struck by what he says to Saul as he surprises him at the mouth of the cave:
May the LORD judge between you and me. And may the LORD avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. As the old saying goes, 'From evildoers come evil deeds,' so my hand will not touch you." (v. 12-13)
Hollywood's all about revenge. ABC even has a primetime show by that name. God, I have to admit that there are times that I have wanted revenge. Badly. There is something animal in us that wants to strike back when we've been wounded. I am totally impressed by David's self-restraint. Revenge was his for the taking and he let it go! And why would he do that? He wanted to live a noble life. I aspire to that kind of character, Lord. I want to entrust vengeance to you.
What impresses me even more is that David chose mercy over malice even when his whole band of men were egging him on. He could really have found good reason to listen to them. They were validating his anger and his craving for revenge. They even interpreted this fortuitous opportunity as God's will that David strike back. It's so easy to justify our hatred, God. It's such a temptation to tell our stories of betrayal to as many people as we can so that we can win their empathy and feel validated in getting even.
Lord, help me to have the moral courage to stand with you like David did, to push back against the voices that prod us to a life of anything less than nobility--especially the voice within. No wonder you called David a man after your own heart. His heart was noble. He lived above his petty, jealous, back-stabbing enemies. He rose above even his misguided friends. He took the high road, and he didn't even pat himself on the back for it. It wasn't just a show. He was real. It was who he was in you.
I choose the path of nobility, God. Lead me in it, and help me to instill it in my children. And thank you for the people who have modeled it for me so well. They are a glory to you! Amen.
Please share this post with your Facebook friends, and leave us a comment below! Peace.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The Best Friends
God is inviting us into a conversation with him about who he is, who we are, and what a life of faith looks like through the Scriptures. Today we are coming to 1 Samuel 23, where we continue the exploits of David.
These were some of the dark times of David's life. He used to be the winner of Israeli Idol--everyone was cheering him and singing his praises. But now he's been reduced to a fugitive, living as a nomad in desolate places. Everywhere he goes, even people he rescues try to turn him over to the king. That had to be depressing! It's troubling, God, that sometimes even the very people we've helped the most can turn on us. They are among the individuals in our lives who suck the emotional and spiritual energy right out of us. Just being around them is exhausting. But what I feel you touching my heart with is this statement:
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (v. 16)
I need more people like Jonathan in my life. They are the people that invigorate me. They are the spiritual energy-boosters. When I'm down and out, they are the ones that I love to hear from. God, I'm thinking of some of those people now and how you've used them to lift me up out of the dumps more than once. In my dark days, there would be an email from Jeanne with a prayer for strength. Here is one I saved:
Dear Chris~
I have been thinking of and praying for you, Lori and Steven. I have my chapel
hour today (2-3) and will offer it for you and your children. I know this day
will be particularly difficult and I pray you find the Spirit of the Lord in
the midst of your sadness.
Yes, she was my Jonathan so many times even though we weren't otherwise very close. I think of Michele who points me to you on a regular basis, daily encouraging me to remember that I am yours and that you have a plan for me. I think of Scott and Greg and many others who have helped me find strength in you, God, via a phone call or a visit or something in writing. I think of Terry and Steve who drove 8 hours to come and lay hands on my shoulders and pray with me during a crisis. And I think of my mom who has been my constant encourager for all my life, who has even flown across the ocean to stand by my side and gently remind me of God's love and helped me find his strength when my own was depleted. And the list could go on.
What would I do without those people in my life? Where would I be today without my Jonathans? God, they are such immense blessings from you! They are the best friends! I pray that my friends who read this blog find that I am one of their Jonathans, along with Michele and Katrinka who regularly contribute. I hope they find help through us to access your strength. And I pray that they will add more Jonathans to their lives by taking the risk to reach out and connect on a spiritual level with other friends of yours, God. They need that kind of relationships. I also pray that we will consider who we may be a Jonathan for today, tomorrow and every day moving forward. Somebody we know right now is sinking. Let us be one who helps them find strength in you, God, our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Amen!
Please share your story of one of your Jonathans, or share a way that you have found that you can be a Jonathan to others. And please share this post on Facebook! (Click "f" below.) Peace.
These were some of the dark times of David's life. He used to be the winner of Israeli Idol--everyone was cheering him and singing his praises. But now he's been reduced to a fugitive, living as a nomad in desolate places. Everywhere he goes, even people he rescues try to turn him over to the king. That had to be depressing! It's troubling, God, that sometimes even the very people we've helped the most can turn on us. They are among the individuals in our lives who suck the emotional and spiritual energy right out of us. Just being around them is exhausting. But what I feel you touching my heart with is this statement:
And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. (v. 16)
I need more people like Jonathan in my life. They are the people that invigorate me. They are the spiritual energy-boosters. When I'm down and out, they are the ones that I love to hear from. God, I'm thinking of some of those people now and how you've used them to lift me up out of the dumps more than once. In my dark days, there would be an email from Jeanne with a prayer for strength. Here is one I saved:
Dear Chris~
I have been thinking of and praying for you, Lori and Steven. I have my chapel
hour today (2-3) and will offer it for you and your children. I know this day
will be particularly difficult and I pray you find the Spirit of the Lord in
the midst of your sadness.
Yes, she was my Jonathan so many times even though we weren't otherwise very close. I think of Michele who points me to you on a regular basis, daily encouraging me to remember that I am yours and that you have a plan for me. I think of Scott and Greg and many others who have helped me find strength in you, God, via a phone call or a visit or something in writing. I think of Terry and Steve who drove 8 hours to come and lay hands on my shoulders and pray with me during a crisis. And I think of my mom who has been my constant encourager for all my life, who has even flown across the ocean to stand by my side and gently remind me of God's love and helped me find his strength when my own was depleted. And the list could go on.
What would I do without those people in my life? Where would I be today without my Jonathans? God, they are such immense blessings from you! They are the best friends! I pray that my friends who read this blog find that I am one of their Jonathans, along with Michele and Katrinka who regularly contribute. I hope they find help through us to access your strength. And I pray that they will add more Jonathans to their lives by taking the risk to reach out and connect on a spiritual level with other friends of yours, God. They need that kind of relationships. I also pray that we will consider who we may be a Jonathan for today, tomorrow and every day moving forward. Somebody we know right now is sinking. Let us be one who helps them find strength in you, God, our Rock, Fortress and Deliverer. Amen!
Please share your story of one of your Jonathans, or share a way that you have found that you can be a Jonathan to others. And please share this post on Facebook! (Click "f" below.) Peace.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The Rise of Evil
Good morning and happy Tuesday to all of you! This is Michele writing for you this morning. Thank you for being with me as we dive into God's Word. Are you ready to hear from the Lord? Me too! Please read 1 Samuel 22:3-23 with me. It's short but pretty intense.
Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-men and women, children and babies-and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. (v. 18-19)
Lord, this seems a little unfair and way over the top! All because one priest consulted you for David and gave him food and a sword? Was it necessary for eighty-five men and their families to die for that? What had happened to Saul? He had become an evil madman.
Why would you let this happen, God? Why didn't you protect those who served you? One would think that there should be some sort of special protection for those who live their lives in service to you. It doesn't make sense that those who love you have to lose their lives while evil is allowed to flourish. Saul had become a very evil man and he expected everyone else to follow in his schemes. I was encouraged to read in verse 17 that Saul's own men refused to do the killing that he had ordered them to do. Someone needed to stand up for what was right. I also noticed that Saul didn't do any of the killing himself, he needed someone else to do his dirty work. What a coward!
But, God, you don't want us to develop a relationship with you so we can escape the evil in this world. You don't want us to come to you with the misconception that life will be easier that way. Some of the most long suffering people I know are very devoted Christians. As Christians we never have to suffer alone, you come along side us and even carry us when our own strength is gone. Coming to you is not a guarantee of all good things to come but it IS a guarantee of eternal life and the ultimate abolition of evil.
Dear Lord, keep our minds on the ultimate prize of eternal life with you. Fill our hearts with hope and joy and help us not to expect to live an easy and carefree life here on earth because we know you. Life is hard and as Christians the world does not side with us. Regardless of how the course of our lives may go, give us hearts that are wholly committed to you. We love you, Lord. Amen
Then the king said to Doeg, "You do it." So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all, still wearing their priestly garments. Then he went to Nob, the town of the priests, and killed the priests' families-men and women, children and babies-and all the cattle, donkeys, sheep, and goats. (v. 18-19)
Lord, this seems a little unfair and way over the top! All because one priest consulted you for David and gave him food and a sword? Was it necessary for eighty-five men and their families to die for that? What had happened to Saul? He had become an evil madman.
Why would you let this happen, God? Why didn't you protect those who served you? One would think that there should be some sort of special protection for those who live their lives in service to you. It doesn't make sense that those who love you have to lose their lives while evil is allowed to flourish. Saul had become a very evil man and he expected everyone else to follow in his schemes. I was encouraged to read in verse 17 that Saul's own men refused to do the killing that he had ordered them to do. Someone needed to stand up for what was right. I also noticed that Saul didn't do any of the killing himself, he needed someone else to do his dirty work. What a coward!
But, God, you don't want us to develop a relationship with you so we can escape the evil in this world. You don't want us to come to you with the misconception that life will be easier that way. Some of the most long suffering people I know are very devoted Christians. As Christians we never have to suffer alone, you come along side us and even carry us when our own strength is gone. Coming to you is not a guarantee of all good things to come but it IS a guarantee of eternal life and the ultimate abolition of evil.
Dear Lord, keep our minds on the ultimate prize of eternal life with you. Fill our hearts with hope and joy and help us not to expect to live an easy and carefree life here on earth because we know you. Life is hard and as Christians the world does not side with us. Regardless of how the course of our lives may go, give us hearts that are wholly committed to you. We love you, Lord. Amen
Friday, February 17, 2012
When Life Falls Apart
Welcome to today's conversation with God! His voice is the only one that is always true, so I filter all the other voices in my life through his word. I'm reading 1 Samuel 21 through 22:2. And what I see here is a man in trouble--a man full of fear, anxiety and desperation. Life had definitely turned south on David. His storybook rise to popularity and privilege has turned into a nightmare.
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. (v. 12-13)
This isn't quite the same guy that boldly charged the giant, is it? This isn't the same man of faith who was confident that God would enable him to beat down that big bully. I mean, where is the David that fearlessly led dozens of conquests against Israel's fiercest enemies?
Life happened to David. Here's what I mean. God had always given him the outcome he had hoped for. He had won every battle. Until now. He went from hero to hated in the eyes of the king, and for the first time he felt totally vulnerable. That's a familiar place for me, God, and probably for lots of others. It's that moment where I realize that you don't seem to be helping me. You aren't coming through like you have before. Whereas faith had once given me almost a feeling of invincibility, it becomes starkly clear that my relationship with you doesn't guarantee me that I won't be badly hurt or that I cannot fail. I begin to wonder if you've withdrawn your favor.
That's when I start thinking that's it all up to me to save my own neck. That's when I try to scheme my way out of the problems I am facing. David was definitely in scheming mode at this point. He's lying to good people who would help him. He's running to people who are worse than Saul. And he ends up in a dark cave feeling the loneliness and depression close in around him.
God, I've been to that dark place before. Long sleepless nights. Troubled thoughts that hound me. Feelings of being abandoned. But it's a place where you can still be found. You met David in that cave. You reminded him that he should never take your help for granted. He needed to seek it. He needed to seek you. He needed to let his troubled thoughts find peace in the only one who is bigger than all of that mess he was in. It's wonderful, God, that even in the darkest place your light can emerge. As David wrote from within that cave:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:18-19)
I'd love for you to share an experience of your own and what you learned from it. You can comment below, selecting "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu. And please take just a second to share this post with your friends on Facebook. It may be just what they needed today! (Click the Facebook "f" icon below.)
David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. So he pretended to be insane in their presence; and while he was in their hands he acted like a madman, making marks on the doors of the gate and letting saliva run down his beard. (v. 12-13)
This isn't quite the same guy that boldly charged the giant, is it? This isn't the same man of faith who was confident that God would enable him to beat down that big bully. I mean, where is the David that fearlessly led dozens of conquests against Israel's fiercest enemies?
Life happened to David. Here's what I mean. God had always given him the outcome he had hoped for. He had won every battle. Until now. He went from hero to hated in the eyes of the king, and for the first time he felt totally vulnerable. That's a familiar place for me, God, and probably for lots of others. It's that moment where I realize that you don't seem to be helping me. You aren't coming through like you have before. Whereas faith had once given me almost a feeling of invincibility, it becomes starkly clear that my relationship with you doesn't guarantee me that I won't be badly hurt or that I cannot fail. I begin to wonder if you've withdrawn your favor.
That's when I start thinking that's it all up to me to save my own neck. That's when I try to scheme my way out of the problems I am facing. David was definitely in scheming mode at this point. He's lying to good people who would help him. He's running to people who are worse than Saul. And he ends up in a dark cave feeling the loneliness and depression close in around him.
God, I've been to that dark place before. Long sleepless nights. Troubled thoughts that hound me. Feelings of being abandoned. But it's a place where you can still be found. You met David in that cave. You reminded him that he should never take your help for granted. He needed to seek it. He needed to seek you. He needed to let his troubled thoughts find peace in the only one who is bigger than all of that mess he was in. It's wonderful, God, that even in the darkest place your light can emerge. As David wrote from within that cave:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
A righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all. (Psalm 34:18-19)
I'd love for you to share an experience of your own and what you learned from it. You can comment below, selecting "Anonymous" from the "Comment as" menu. And please take just a second to share this post with your friends on Facebook. It may be just what they needed today! (Click the Facebook "f" icon below.)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
From Cyber-Acquaintances to Loyal Friendships
I hope you had a happy Valentine's Day with the one you love! If you're not in love right now, don't forget how special your close friends and family are. As I listen for a word from God today from 1 Samuel 20, I'm thinking about how important relationships are. Read with me about David's true friendship with Jonathan. What a great story!
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have a sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD..." (v. 42)
It’s been said that “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.” That is what Jonathan was to David. God, you are showing me something about the importance of loyalty. It's a quality that is hard to find these days. A loyal friend or a loyal spouse is a priceless blessing. And you are showing me what loyalty really is. Some people are scared of commitment. Others make commitments and stand by them, but only as long as it's in their own best interest. A truly loyal person is willing to suffer to keep his commitment. That's what I see in Jonathan. He stood by his friend even though David was a threat to his own heirship to the throne. Not only that, but he remained loyal even when it almost got him killed!
Jonathan had a tough situation to navigate, trying to balance his loyalty to both his friend, David, and his own father, King Saul. It's not uncommon to have conflicting loyalties. Relationships are complicated. It's admirable how well Jonathan managed to avoid betraying either of these two important relationships. I see, God, that the wisdom it took to do that came from Jonathan's ultimate loyaly to you. The principles that you had taught him through your word about love and truth and honor were clearly guiding him. It's a far cry from the soap opera lives that so many people live!
God, thank you for reminding me that loyalty is the key to lasting, satisfying relationships. And thank you for the reminder that true loyalty must stand strong even when it hurts or threatens my own self-interest. I know that you being my highest loyalty helps me tremendously to deal effectively with the complicated situations that relationships present.
It would be great if you were to share your own reflections below! And please share this post on Facebook. We're good at cyber-acquaintances, but real loyalty is something most of us crave and we all need. Peace.
Jonathan said to David, "Go in peace, for we have a sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD..." (v. 42)
It’s been said that “A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.” That is what Jonathan was to David. God, you are showing me something about the importance of loyalty. It's a quality that is hard to find these days. A loyal friend or a loyal spouse is a priceless blessing. And you are showing me what loyalty really is. Some people are scared of commitment. Others make commitments and stand by them, but only as long as it's in their own best interest. A truly loyal person is willing to suffer to keep his commitment. That's what I see in Jonathan. He stood by his friend even though David was a threat to his own heirship to the throne. Not only that, but he remained loyal even when it almost got him killed!
Jonathan had a tough situation to navigate, trying to balance his loyalty to both his friend, David, and his own father, King Saul. It's not uncommon to have conflicting loyalties. Relationships are complicated. It's admirable how well Jonathan managed to avoid betraying either of these two important relationships. I see, God, that the wisdom it took to do that came from Jonathan's ultimate loyaly to you. The principles that you had taught him through your word about love and truth and honor were clearly guiding him. It's a far cry from the soap opera lives that so many people live!
God, thank you for reminding me that loyalty is the key to lasting, satisfying relationships. And thank you for the reminder that true loyalty must stand strong even when it hurts or threatens my own self-interest. I know that you being my highest loyalty helps me tremendously to deal effectively with the complicated situations that relationships present.
It would be great if you were to share your own reflections below! And please share this post on Facebook. We're good at cyber-acquaintances, but real loyalty is something most of us crave and we all need. Peace.
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