Daily Devotional for Saturday, August 5

The Confirmation of David’s Fear

“For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die,” 1 Samuel 20:31.

Change is so hard.  Big changes are harder still. Some of the most stressful times in life, illness or injury, pregnancy, bereavement, experiencing abuse, family holidays and moving houses involve change. Often the change can be seen from afar off and sometimes we put off making the changes we need to because we see that it will be painful.  Even worse, many times we do not control the circumstances of change because other people in our life are making the choices. 

David and Jonathan found themselves in the latter situation as Saul’s perspective of David’s role in his life continued to be influenced by the evil spirit that had come upon him. David felt there were no options, now, to come home or to be reconciled to the king he had served faithfully for many years.  Jonathan, stuck in the middle of the feud, agreed to try to determine one last time if there was any hope for a future together serving God. 

The family dinner did not go well.  David’s place was open and empty.  Saul questioned his absence.  Jonathan covered for him and by the time the dust settled, Jonathan had ended up narrowly escaping with his own life.  Domestic violence so often brings clarity. David’s fears were confirmed, and Jonathan sadly bore the news to him and sent him away.

Their only continuing connection would be their mutual faith that God would be with them both even through this great change in their life. God knows the changes happening in your life.  Even when your fears are confirmed remember that God has not given you a spirit of fear but of love and of a sound mind.

THOUGHT: God has loves me and so I’ll face these changes with a sound mind even though I’m afraid.

David Thompson