A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. –Proverbs 11:17
We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting to get us off track but we can trust God to overrule our circumstances and there are friends to help along the way.
So take inspiration from songs like Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw and knowledge from post like “Friendships”. As the song says, in striving to make a climb and making it to the top, stay humble and kind. Then help the next one in line.
Friendships are important and as we go through life, what we help make happen for others is a truly rewarding experience. If we are kind and encourage others in difficult circumstances, they will return this kindness and encouragement by helping us through our life challenges.
This thought is brought out in 1 Samuel 20 as Jonathan’s friendship with David was remarkable as he would do whatever David wanted him to do (v. 4). He showed kindness toward David and helped to protect David from his father who wanted to kill David.
We are placed many times throughout life into difficult circumstances. The enemy is constantly plotting against us but we can trust God to overrule our circumstances and there are friends that can help along the way. Just like Jonathan who helped David when Saul was going to kill him by being kind enough to work a plan with David so that a signal could be given to David if in fact Saul was going to kill David.
Jonathan and David worked together against the plot of Saul by setting him up. They found out Saul’s true attitude towards David after David did not attend the New Moon feast. Saul was furious that David did not attend and he didn’t accept the story from Jonathan that David had left to go to Bethlehem for a family gathering.
Caring about others gives life true significance and there’s no better example than when Jonathan was there as a friend for David. Jonathan couldn’t have peace and joy until there was peace and joy for David too!
This day with You God, we see that kindness is personal like You who are merciful. Sometimes we are helpless to our enemies but we have a friend in You that is thoughtful and helpful. You are caring and never overbearing. For You gave Your Son for us so we can have eternal peace and joy.
Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. –Psalm 25:4-5
Noted in the post “The Way of Truth” was that David’s life was in danger but he prayed and followed the Truth of God. The Truth keeps us going in the right direction and is obtained by what we practice and not by what we profess; therefore live according to the true principles of God to receive protection and be blessed beyond what can be imagined.
As pointed out in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, be guided by the ONE True God and like He did for David, God will give you protection from your blindside.
We have observed in our journey through 1 Samuel that Saul tried to kill David several times because he was jealous of David. Saul lived according to his mood at the moment whereas David lived according to God’s Way.
We can be thankful that God’s plan for us is the way of Truth. Today as we read 1 Samuel 19, Jonathan convinces Saul that he should not kill David because David had benefited him in killing Goliath to win a great victory for Israel so Saul took an oath to not put David to death (v. 6).
This oath stood for a while but after David continued to have success, Saul’s jealousy caused him to want to kill David again so he threw a spear at him while he played the harp. When this failed, Saul set up a plot to have him killed by his men at David’s house but David’s wife named Michal warned him and covered for him by tricking Saul’s men. This allowed David to escape before they could carry out their plot.
David was a man who prayed and a man with integrity who wanted direction from God. These qualities of David were obtained by what he practiced in life. They were not obtained by what he professed but by living according to the true principles of God who accepts us as His child, protects us, and blesses beyond what we can imagine.
This day with You Lord we pray that our spiritual life will not be determined by erratic and unstable emotions but that that our life plan lines up with Your plan. Give us a desire to fit into what You want in our life so we can be useful to Your purpose. You give us the Holy Spirit, grace, and power to grow each day toward the way of Truth. Today, we studyYour Word, pray, and live for the purpose You have for us.
