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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise David lamented, “How have the mighty fallen!” (2 Sam 1:19). I hear in his words the sadness you felt at Saul’s death. You are not willing that any should perish, and you take no pleasure in the death of the wicked. You are a God of mercy and compassion, and you go to great lengths to rescue us from sin. How wonderful it is to serve a God like you! Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me how David and Saul both faced a deadly crisis in their lives. Their reactions were completely different: David turned to you for guidance and direction, while Saul turned to a medium, and finally, in anguish and despair, to himself. David obeyed your command, and you gave him a great victory over the Amalekites. He recognized that you had given them into his hand, and he made sure that all shared alike in the spoils. Saul rejected your warning through Samuel, and you gave him into the hands of the Philistines. His sons were killed, and he ended his life in one final act of disobedience. The contrast between David and Saul teaches me that when I’m overwhelmed by the challenges and difficulties of life, I should turn to you for help in time of need. Trouble may come because of sin, but the solution is always repentance and recommitment. No matter how hopeless the future may seem, the answer is to trust you and rest in your merciful and forgiving arms. Reflection Saul’s suicide was a tragic end to a man of great potential. He had all the qualities that people look for in a leader, and you personally established his kingship with a mighty victory (cf. 1 Sam 11). Yet Saul had a fatal flaw. He was insecure and sensitive about his image, and his insecurity caused him to be more concerned about himself than about following and obeying your will. As long as circumstances were favorable, Saul stood strong, but when pressure came, he gave in to temptation instead of trusting you. Then, in place of true repentance, Saul tried to please you with displays of piety and zeal, never understanding that true spirituality is the result of a lifetime of consistent obedience. Christian character is built one decision at a time. Like a brick, each act of obedience is small in itself, but over time those acts pile up to form a fortress of courage and integrity that can withstand the attacks of the enemy. Request Father, help me today to obey you in all things. Give me the grace I need to stand firm under pressure and to put you first in each decision. Thanksgiving Thank you for telling me the story of Saul. May it always be a warning to me of the danger of disobedience! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: "Someday" — Georgia C. Elliott. Meditation Verse: 2 Samuel 1:14. |