David

May 13

1 Samuel 18:17-22, 28-30

Jealousy, courage and love

David had become popular all over Israel and Saul was jealous of him. He thought, “I will get David to fight in the fiercest battles so that he gets killed by the Philistines—then I will not need to kill him myself.”

Michal, one of Saul’s daughters, fell in love with David. Saul was pleased when he found out about this and ordered his officers to tell David, “All Saul wants from you as payment to marry Michal is a hundred dead Philistines.”

David wasted no time in showing his love for Michal and came back with proof that he had killed two hundred Philistines. So Saul allowed Michal to marry David, but planned to use her to trap him.

What can I hold on to when life becomes hectic?

So much had happened in David’s life since he had left his peaceful life as a shepherd to join Saul’s army. Do you think David sometimes longed to be back with his sheep in the field?

Within a short time, David had become famous throughout the land. He had also become a commander in Saul’s army. As a shepherd he had only heard of the Philistines; now he faced them in battle day after day. Then there was Saul, the jealous king who kept on trying to get rid of him. And now David had married Saul’s daughter. It had all happened so fast. Imagine all the different feelings that tumbled around in David’s heart.

Life has peaceful moments when we have time to enjoy the little things, when we have time to look at flowers and watch the clouds changing shape. Suddenly things change and we feel unsafe, like a small boat being tossed about on a stormy sea.

For David, there was only one thing that would never change: the fact that God was in control of his life. God loved him and would always be there for him. Knowing that made all the difference!

Verse for today

You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3