Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. – Proverbs 17:9
The post “Close Friends” brought out the importance of our friendships. Saul was jealous of David’s success. Instead, Saul should have realized that it was God who gave David success. With God, we can all gain wisdom and a heart that fosters love of neighbor.
There was no need for Saul to be jealous. Like the song Stand In The Light by Jordan Smith inspires, every person is priceless and can be made righteous. For Christ can make every wrong right so be who you are by standing in the light and gain confidence in knowing that with God you will go far.
Neighbors need to get to know each other, build each other up, and build memories together. This photo was taken before a July 4th parade in my neighborhood back in 2009. The kids on their bikes now have their own cars. Some have gone off to college. Some neighbors and their families have moved to different communities but we stay in touch through social media and continue to share lifetime events and memories.
Reading in 1 Samuel 18, Saul’s oldest son named Jonathan who was next in line as heir to the throne became David’s closest friend. They were so close that Jonathan was willing to let David have the robe he was wearing along with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt (v. 4). They remained close friends throughout life.
We all need close friends and we should constantly pray for God’s guidance in our friendships. Through the Holy Spirit, we can have strong relationships that are blessings for a lifetime.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Being a friend was a difficult challenge for Saul. After David killed Goliath, jealousy developed between Saul and David because Saul did not react very well to David’s success. He could see that the people regarded David as the greater leader and he became filled with anger.
Not only was Saul filled with jealousy and anger but he also feared David because the Lord was with David but departed from him (v. 12). Therefore, Saul sent David away to lead the troops in war hoping David would be killed but in everything he did, David had great success because the Lord was with him.
The people thought highly of David as he continued to lead them to success. They gave him praise and admiration but David remained humble. God was with David and this brought about a personality with a formidable combination of wisdom and a heart that had concern for others.
This day with You Lord, we have gained more knowledge in the importance of close friends that help change our character into who You want us to be. By living in Your power, we can be a good spouse, a good parent, a good friend, and a good neighbor. We reflect today on what you have given us in our friendships and are thankful. Amen.
Get connected to and internalize the guiding principles taught by Christ to gain spiritual assets. They are like treasure for our spiritual wealth as they provide for our needs and stay securely with us forever as a resource to step ahead.
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” – 1 Samuel 17:45
Brought out in the post “The Heart of David” was that David had gained experience in preparation to overtake Goliath but it was his heart that was his greatest strength. Building up our heart is a great asset and there’s no better way than applying the principles of God’s word to defeat our enemies.
Today’s song inspires these character traits. As pointed out in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns is that our failures are like the giant named Goliath that keeps telling us we will never win. But the voice of truth tells us a different story which is to have the heart of God for His glory and soar on the wings of eagles.
One night a lady came home from her weekly prayer meeting, found she was being robbed, and she shouted out, “Acts 2:38: ‘Repent and be baptized and your sins will be forgiven.‘” The robber quickly gave up and the lady called the police. While handcuffing the criminal, a policeman said to the robber, “Gee, you gave up pretty easily. How come you gave up so quickly?” The robber said, “She said she had an axe and two 38’s!”1
This day with God, we can have confidence in the weapons He provides to protect us from anything or anyone that wants to rob the important things in our life. Our giants may not be Goliath like we read about today in 1 Samuel 17 but other enemies we face like fear, pride, bad relationships, bad habits, financial difficulties, bad health, depression, etc.
We note today in our reading that the Philistines and Israelites were at war. The Spirit of the Lord was not with the Israelites or Saul their king and a champion of the Philistines was a giant (9’9” tall) named Goliath who challenged the Israelites for forty days to a one on one fight against any of their men. The winner’s side would rule against the loser’s side; serving them and being subject to them.
David had certain strengths God had given him to prepare for the fight against the giant named Goliath. He had experience in how to keep his father’s sheep as he defended them against lions and bears. He also had developed a skill in the use of a sling but it was his heart that was his greatest strength. Building up our heart is a great asset and the best way to achieve “The Heart of David” is to apply the principles of God’s word.
So this day with God, let us have confidence in the weapons He has provided to fight our giants in life. Let us keep doing what we think is right even when facing criticism. Each day, let us gain knowledge in God’s word so we are prepared for the challenges of each day knowing that God will help make the impossible possible.
This Day with You Lord, help us to recognize the help You provide in our daily battles. Our faith in You will bring victories over our giants in life and encourage those around us. Your Spirit lives in us and we listen to Your voice of truth that provides confidence in the unlimited potential available to do amazing things for Your glory. Amen.
This Day With God - A Spiritual Journey 