Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 18-19, 1 Chronicles 3, Psalm 59, Acts 13
1 Samuel, chapter 18 and 19, are a great example of how the lust for own desires can turn us away from God.
One of the most famous stories in the Bible can be found in 1 Samuel 17, when David stepped forward to slay the giant Philistine, Goliath. The unknown, little shepherd boy had the courage to step forward and take on an imposing “giant,” when none of the other Jewish fighters or leaders had the courage to step forward. David had the favor and spirit of God with him, as he knew he would not fail.
As David soon became a legend amongst the Jewish people, Saul became insanely jealous. He knew David had the favor of God and he resented him for it. Saul sought to deceive David by offering him to marry his oldest daughter, and ultimately made several attempts to kill David, while David was his son-in-law.
Let’s not forget that Saul was hand-picked to be King of Israel by God. Over time, power, influence, and money corrupted his heart away from God. Saul became focused on himself and not what he could do as a servant to God.
Are you genuinely happy for other people’s success? Do we celebrate with a genuine heart when others experience great things? When a friend or family member is enjoying prosperous or happy times in their life, do you celebrate them or deep down resent their happiness?
As the most powerful man of the Jews, Saul could not humble himself to be happy for David. David was truly a servant of Saul and, at the time, had no desire to overtake Saul as King. We know that is in 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel was told by God that David would eventually become King. But Saul’s own jealousy, mistrust, and hardened heart became the beginning of the end of his reign.
Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
I pray that we can have a true and giving heart for God, and not of ourselves. I pray that we can be leaders in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, and churches to model support and favor for others. May we genuinely celebrate the prosperity of others and find the good in our neighbors.
