In Samuel, we have been reading about many people in conflict, Conflicts that have escalated. Conflicts where God steps in and says enough is enough, ending someone’s life. We have read about massive battles which ends in loss of life. We have also read about the end of friendships. Jillian’s recap on Monday was so helpful to remind us of the Saul/Samuel/David/Jonathan intertwined story. Rachel recapped yesterday’s reading with the Saul reaching the end of his rope and asking Samuel to rise from the dead to help him. Today’s reading in 1 Samuel 29 is no exception to conflict and confusion. In today’s reading, David comes to help yet is sent away.
4 But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with him. And the commanders of the Philistines said to him, “Send the man back, that he may return to the place to which you have assigned him. He shall not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how could this fellow reconcile himself to his lord? Would it not be with the heads of the men here? 5 Is not this David, of whom they sing to one another in dances,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”
It’s been a lot of heavy reading around Samuel, Saul and David. Then, we have the chance to read Psalm 30. The title is uplifting: Joy Comes with the Morning. A Psalm of David.
The Philistines appear angry in today’s verse. Maybe they are overworked and underpaid. Maybe they are just downright worn out. Maybe they were still in mourning over Samuel dying. Maybe they are starting to mistrust everyone’s intent. Maybe they just want all the fighting and wars to be over?
Sometimes our days may seem like mini battles or wars. Maybe we are just downright tired. Maybe we don’t know what to do next to solve a certain problem. I know sometimes at night, I lay there and pray. I think about what I’m asking God to help me solve or overcome or have more patience with in my days. I might drift off and then in the morning “joy” comes. I feel relieved for some reason. Ready to tackle the day or ready to work harder at resolving a situation. It just seems as if God lifts my problems overnight or at least eases my burden. In our readings today, it certainly seems as if God is trying to lift up David. Let us be glad!
10Hear O Lord, and be merciful to me!
O Lord, be my helper!”
11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
you have loosed my sackcloth
and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Wishing you all a “joyful” morning.