April 13, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

From this point on you will be reading various passages of Old Testament scripture which are presented in their chronological order.  Since you will be reading the life of David you will be directed to read the Psalms he wrote especially as they fit the experiences he faced.  May you see the way he was thinking in the midst of his trials and triumphs. 

1 Samuel 18 - One of the great blessings in a believer's life is to have at least one close friend who will be "closer than a brother," Proverbs 18:24.  Jonathan, the son of Saul, became that kind of friend for David.  Jonathan seemed to quickly assess God's hand on David's life and he never show any jealousy of the attention David received.  But you will read of the growing jealousy Saul had for David.  Saul was insecure in his position but David always showed him loyalty and gave him his whole support.  David marries Saul's daughter, Michal, pronounced by many as "Michael" but others have chosen the feminine pronunciation of "Michelle."

1 Samuel 19 - It seems that during David's years with Saul were full of trials, tests, and difficulties.  Yet this was all part of God's work to develop David into the man of God who would, one day, be a great king.  David had many narrow escapes from Saul and he was helped by Jonathan and Michal. 

1 Samuel 20 - David knows that Saul will continue his vendetta against him.  So he and Jonathan covenant their loyalty to each other.  In the KJV and the NKJV the wording of this covenant is a testimony of their mutual love for God.  Verse 23 says, "And as for the matter which you and I have spoken of, indeed the Lord be between you and me forever."  Notice where God is: "between" them.  What better place for God to be in any relationship - right in the middle! 

Psalm 11 - David was faced with death and the foundations of his world were crumbling.  He would learn to trust the Lord for protection and gain the courage to do what Wiersbe suggests:  "If the foundations are being destroyed, lay the foundations again!"  God will test the righteous but He will never abandon them.

Psalm 59 - The inscription above this Psalm speaks of it being written during the time when Saul sent men to David's bed to bring him to Saul.  David cried out for deliverance and found that God was his defense.  Many of David's songs came as a result of his joy over for God's protection of his life.

As you read the Psalms ask God to help you see how these passages can be applied to your own life and experience.  God worked through His people in the Bible to show what He can and will do in you.  You may not be David, but God is still God!