September 2, 2010

God honors obedience and submission.

Once again, David is fighting for the Lord, for the king, and for his people, and being persecuted for it. Saul has attempted to kill David on several occasions, but this is the first time that he openly tells others. Saul tries to kill David three times in this chapter. 

In His sovereignty, God allows an evil spirit to come to Saul in order to harm David. Nonetheless, He protects David as He has a plan for him: to lead His nation.

I couldn't help but notice how God puts us in difficult situations in life in order to make us fit for His purposes. For some, as in the case of Moses, it meant fleeing to the desert. For others, like David, it meant living the life of a nomad, hiding in caves and, as we see reflected in many of David's writings in the Psalms, suffering and pleading to God for help. Yet what intrigues me the most is the fact that David kept honoring the king and not retaliating, since, as he told his servants, he was not going to lift his hand against God's anointed one.

In some cases, submission is quite easy; we have a boss, manager, or spouse that we really like, love, or admire. But in other cases, it becomes an issue, and we truly struggle with it. David was submissive to an assassin, a hardened and foolish king. Why? Because he always kept in mind that Saul was ultimately appointed by God. Samuel said once that to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Sam. 15:22).

As king, David honored God by obeying Him and submitting to Him. As Christians, that is what God desires from us.

1. How can I obey God today? How can I honor Him?
2. How am I trusting in God to use situations for my growth?
3. In what areas do I have trouble being submissive?
   

About the Author Guillermo Olivera-Celdran God has blessed me with a very godly family and good friends. I am especially grateful to Him for the wife He gave me and how He brought us together.