The Daily Dose

 Finishing Well Matters

“Then the men of Jabesh Gilead arose and went all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan.” ~ 1 Samuel 31:11-12

Have you ever watched the final few minutes of a movie and realized they changed the way you understood the entire story? A strong ending can leave you inspired. A tragic ending can leave you wishing the characters had made different choices.

The final chapter of 1 Samuel is one of those endings. Saul, Israel’s first king, dies in battle along with his sons. It is a heartbreaking conclusion to the life of a man who began with such promise. When Saul was first chosen as king, he was humble, courageous, and dependent on God. Somewhere along the journey, pride replaced humility, fear replaced faith, and his own desires became more important than God’s direction.

But even in the middle of this sad chapter, we see a beautiful act of courage. The men of Jabesh Gilead, the very people Saul had rescued years earlier, risked their own lives to recover the bodies of Saul and his sons so they could be given an honorable burial.

It reminds us that people may remember our mistakes, but they also remember our kindness. This chapter leaves us with several important lessons about the kind of lives we want to live.

Here are three truths we can carry into our own journey.

1. Small Choices Shape Big Outcomes

Saul’s downfall didn’t happen overnight.

It was the result of many small decisions to ignore God’s voice, depend on his own understanding, and protect his own reputation. The same principle works in the opposite direction. Small acts of obedience build a life of faithfulness.

Don’t underestimate today’s decisions. Spending time with God, choosing forgiveness, serving faithfully, and obeying the Holy Spirit in little things all prepare you for greater opportunities tomorrow. Being faithful in your current assignment may be the very thing God works through to prepare you for your next one.

2. Kindness Leaves a Lasting Legacy

Years after Saul rescued Jabesh Gilead, those men never forgot what he had done for them. When everyone else ran away, they stepped forward. Kindness has a long memory. We may never know how one encouraging conversation, one act of generosity, or one prayer changes someone’s life.

Take time to encourage people. Write the note. Send the text. Pray with someone after church. Tell a volunteer how much you appreciate them. Those moments may seem small today, but they often become lasting memories for someone else.

3. God Can Write a Better Ending for Your Story

Although Saul’s story ends here, the story of Israel does not. God was already preparing David to step into the next chapter. One person’s failure never stops God’s purposes.

That gives me tremendous hope because none of us has lived perfectly. God specializes in redeeming lives that are surrendered to Him.

If you’ve made mistakes, don’t believe the lie that your best days are behind you. Bring every disappointment to the Lord and let Him lead you forward. The next chapter of your life can be stronger than the last when you continue following Him.

One of the greatest privileges God has given me through ministry has been walking alongside people over many years. I’ve watched new believers become leaders, hurting people find healing, and those who once questioned whether God could use them begin serving with confidence and joy. Those moments remind me that life is measured more by faithfulness than accomplishment. When people remember us years from now, I hope they won’t remember how busy we were or how many projects we completed. I hope they’ll remember that we pointed them toward Jesus, took time to listen, encouraged them when they were discouraged, and believed and prayed with them when they struggled to believe in themselves. At the end of the day, people are our greatest investment.

And here’s something else. Nobody reaches the end of life wishing they had answered just one more email. They remember the people they loved, the lives they influenced, and the difference they made for God’s Kingdom. Somehow Heaven has a way of keeping score very differently than we do.

Today I want to encourage you to live with the end in mind. Choose faithfulness over convenience, obedience over compromise, and kindness over busyness. Every decision you make today is shaping the legacy you will leave tomorrow. Let your life be one that points others to Jesus, encourages those who are hurting, and demonstrates the love of Christ Jesus in both big and small ways. As you continue walking with the Lord, trust Him to write a story that finishes well. The same God who was preparing David for a new beginning is still preparing His people today. Stay close to Him, follow His leading, and let your life become a testimony of His faithfulness from today on until the end.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 31

1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel; and the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 

2 Then the Philistines followed hard after Saul and his sons. And the Philistines killed Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua, Saul’s sons. 

3 The battle became fierce against Saul. The archers hit him, and he was severely wounded by the archers.

4 Then Saul said to his armorbearer, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised men come and thrust me through and abuse me.”

But his armorbearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore, Saul took a sword and fell on it. 

5 And when his armorbearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. 

6 So Saul, his three sons, his armorbearer, and all his men died together that same day.

7 And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were on the other side of the Jordan, saw that the men of Israel had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they forsook the cities and fled; and the Philistines came and dwelt in them. 

8 So it happened the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 

9 And they cut off his head and stripped off his armor, and sent word throughout the land of the Philistines, to proclaim it in the temple of their idols and among the people. 

10 Then they put his armor in the temple of the Ashtoreths, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth Shan.

11 Now when the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 

12 all the valiant men arose and traveled all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. 

13 Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree at Jabesh and fasted seven days.

Journal:

• What small decisions am I making today that will shape my future?
• Who has shown me kindness that I can thank or encourage this week?
• What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my family and those around me?
• Is there an area of my life where I need to choose obedience over convenience?
• How can I intentionally point someone to Jesus this week through my words or actions?

The Blessing Hidden in the Interruption

“Then they found an Egyptian in the field, and brought him to David, and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water.” ~ 1 Samuel 30:11

Have you ever been in a hurry when someone stopped you to ask for help? If you’re anything like me, your first thought might be, “Lord, not right now. I’m too busy to stop and help!” It’s funny how God often places people in our path when we think we have the least amount of time to spare. Yet those interruptions are sometimes the very reason He sent us that way in the first place.

That is exactly what happened to David in today’s scripture reading. David and his men had just returned home to discover that Ziklag had been burned to the ground. Their wives, children, and possessions had all been taken by the Amalekites. The men were devastated. Scripture says they wept until they had no more power to weep. Then, after seeking the Lord, David pursued the enemy with one goal in mind, that was to rescue their families.

Talk about having a reason to hurry. Yet in the middle of the chase, they found an Egyptian servant lying in a field. He had been abandoned by his master, sick, hungry, thirsty, and left to die.

David could have rode right past him. After all, he had a crisis of his own. Instead, David stopped. He gave the man food and water, cared for him, and only afterward asked who he was. That simple act of compassion became the very thing God worked through to lead David directly to the enemy camp where his family was being held.

The interruption became the answer. How often does God work like that in our lives? The person we think is delaying us is usually part of His plan.

Here are three truths to consider from this remarkable story.

1. Compassion Opens Doors That Hurry Never Will

David had every reason to stay focused on his own problem. Yet he took time to care for someone else’s need.

It reminds me that God’s work is rarely interrupted by people. More often than not, people are His work. Sometimes we’re so focused on checking off our to do list that we miss the divine appointments standing right in front of us.

When someone needs encouragement, don’t assume you’ll do it later. If a coworker seems discouraged, stop and ask how they’re doing. If a neighbor needs help carrying groceries, lend a hand. If someone calls just needing to talk, take a few extra minutes. You never know what God may accomplish through one simple act of kindness.

2. God Often Hides His Answers Inside Opportunities to Serve

David had no idea that this Egyptian servant knew exactly where the Amalekites were. All David knew was that someone needed help. We often ask God for direction while overlooking the opportunities He’s already placed in front of us.

Serve faithfully wherever God places you. Maybe it’s greeting at church, helping a young mom, mentoring someone new in the faith, or encouraging a friend. Don’t underestimate small acts of obedience. The conversation you almost skipped could become the connection God uses to answer a prayer you’ve been praying for months.

3. Never Let Your Own Pain Keep You From Caring for Others

David was hurting. His men were grieving. Their own families were missing. Yet they still found room in their hearts to help someone else. There is something powerful that happens when we choose compassion in the middle of our own struggles.

If you’re walking through a difficult season, ask God to show you one person you can encourage today. It may be sending a text message, praying with someone, or simply listening without trying to fix everything. Often God brings healing to our own hearts as we become His hands and feet to someone else.

I’ve experienced this more times than I can count. There have been days when my schedule was completely full, my to do list seemed impossible, and I felt like I couldn’t spare another minute. Then someone would stop by the bookstore, send a message asking if we could talk, or need prayer after church. If I’m honest, there were moments when I wanted to say, “Can we do this tomorrow?” Yet every time I chose to stop and invest in that person, I walked away realizing God had planned that encounter all along. Sometimes they received the encouragement they desperately needed. Other times I was the one who left encouraged. I’ve found that people are never interruptions to God’s plan. They usually are the plan.

Today I want to encourage you to slow down enough to notice the people God places in your path. Don’t become so focused on your destination that you miss the opportunities He has prepared along the way. The person who needs your kindness today may become part of the answer you’ve been praying for tomorrow. God has a wonderful way of weaving together compassion, obedience, and divine appointments. As you follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and take time to care for those around you, don’t be surprised if you discover that what looked like an interruption was actually God’s perfect plan all along.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 30

1 Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, 

2 and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone but carried them away and went their way. 

3 So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 

4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. 

5 And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. 

6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

7 Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. 

8 So David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?”

And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”

9 So David went, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and came to the Brook Besor, where those stayed who were left behind. 

10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so weary that they could not cross the Brook Besor.

11 Then they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David; and they gave him bread and he ate, and they let him drink water. 

12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. So, when he had eaten, his strength came back to him; for he had eaten no bread nor drunk water for three days and three nights. 

13 Then David said to him, “To whom do you belong, and where are you from?”

And he said, “I am a young man from Egypt, servant of an Amalekite; and my master left me behind, because three days ago I fell sick. 

14 We made an invasion of the southern area of the Cherethites, in the territory which belongs to Judah, and of the southern area of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.”

15 And David said to him, “Can you take me down to this troop?”

So he said, “Swear to me by God that you will neither kill me nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will take you down to this troop.”

16 And when he had brought him down, there they were, spread out over all the land, eating and drinking and dancing, because of all the great spoil which they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from the land of Judah. 

17 Then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. 

18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives. 

19 And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all. 

20 Then David took all the flocks and herds they had driven before those other livestock, and said, “This is David’s spoil.”

21 Now David came to the two hundred men who had been so weary that they could not follow David, whom they also had made to stay at the Brook Besor. So they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near the people, he greeted them. 

22 Then all the wicked and worthless men of those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them any of the spoil that we have recovered, except for every man’s wife and children, that they may lead them away and depart.”

23 But David said, “My brethren, you shall not do so with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the troop that came against us. 

24 For who will heed you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the supplies; they shall share alike.” 

25 So it was, from that day forward; he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.

26 Now when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the spoil to the elders of Judah, to his friends, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord”— 

27 to those who were in Bethel, those who were in Ramoth of the South, those who were in Jattir, 

28 those who were in Aroer, those who were in Siphmoth, those who were in Eshtemoa, 

29 those who were in Rachal, those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, those who were in the cities of the Kenites, 

30 those who were in Hormah, those who were in Chorashan, those who were in Athach, 

31 those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to rove.

Journal:

• Have I been so focused on my own responsibilities that I’ve overlooked someone God placed in my path?
• Who in my life could use a simple act of kindness or encouragement this week?
• Can I think of a time when an unexpected interruption became one of God’s greatest blessings?
• Is there someone God has been prompting me to reach out to?
• How can I become more aware of the Holy Spirit’s leading in my everyday interactions with people?

 When God’s “No” Is Actually His Protection

“Then Achish called David and said to him, ‘Surely, as the Lord lives, you have been upright… Nevertheless the lords do not favor you.'” ~ 1 Samuel 29:6

Have you ever been disappointed when a door closed, only to look back later and thank God it never opened? At the time, it felt like rejection. Later, you realized it was protection. It’s funny how we often pray, “Lord, open every door You have for me,” but rarely pray, “Lord, thank You for closing the wrong ones.” That is exactly what happens in today’s scripture reading.

David had been living among the Philistines after fleeing from Saul. When the Philistines prepared for battle against Israel, David found himself in an impossible situation. If he fought alongside the Philistines, he would be fighting against his own people. If he refused, he could lose the trust of King Achish and put his own men in danger.

From David’s perspective, there didn’t seem to be a good solution. Then something unexpected happened. The Philistine commanders refused to let David go into battle. They didn’t trust him and insisted that he return home.

At first glance, it looked like rejection. In reality, God was rescuing David from a battle he was never meant to fight. How many times has God done the same thing for us? Sometimes we become discouraged when plans fall apart, opportunities disappear, or people say no. Yet what feels like disappointment may actually be God’s loving protection.

Here are three points from this chapter that can strengthen our faith.

1. Closed Doors Can Be God’s Direction, too

David didn’t have to figure out how to escape this impossible situation. God used the Philistine commanders to close the door for him. God has a remarkable way of directing our lives without us having to force the outcome. Sometimes His guidance comes through an opportunity. Other times it comes through a closed door.

When something doesn’t work out the way you hoped, pause before assuming something has gone wrong. Maybe you interviewed for a job you really wanted but didn’t receive it. Instead of believing God forgot you, ask Him what He may be protecting you from or preparing you for.

2. God Can Rescue You From the Consequences of Your Own Decisions

David was in this situation because he had chosen to live among the Philistines. Yet even there, God was still watching over him. What a comforting thought.

We’ve all made decisions we wish we could take back. Thankfully, God’s grace is greater than our mistakes. He doesn’t abandon His children every time they take a wrong turn. He lovingly leads them back.

If you’ve made a decision that has complicated your life, don’t lose hope. Bring it before God. Ask Him for wisdom, and be willing to follow His direction. He specializes in redeeming situations that seem impossible.

3. God’s Timing Is Better Than Our Plans

David probably didn’t understand why everything unfolded the way it did. What he couldn’t see was that while he was traveling back to Ziklag, God was positioning him for the next chapter of his life. Had David gone into battle, the story would have looked very different. Sometimes God’s delays are actually divine appointments.

If you’re waiting for something to happen, resist the temptation to force it. Stay faithful where you are. Continue serving, praying, and trusting the Holy Spirit’s leading. God’s timing is never late, even if it occasionally feels like He’s using a different calendar than we are.

One of the things I’ve discovered over the years is that some of God’s greatest blessings have come disguised as disappointments. There have been ministry opportunities I thought I was supposed to pursue that suddenly disappeared. At the time, I couldn’t understand why. I had prayed, prepared, and believed everything was falling into place. Then the door closed. Looking back, I can see that God was not only protecting me from stepping into something that wasn’t His best for that season, but He was also preparing me for what was coming up. Each time a door seemed to close, He redirected my steps toward opportunities I never would have imagined, opportunities that have allowed me to encourage women, lead small groups, write books, and watch people grow in their walk with the Lord. If those first doors had stayed open, I might have missed the ones God had prepared all along. I now know not to measure God’s faithfulness by how many doors open, but by how faithfully He leads me one step at a time.

And if we’re honest, sometimes we’re like little kids trying to push open a door that clearly says “Pull.” We strain, we sweat, we wonder why nothing is happening, and all along God is gently saying, “Try the door right beside it.”

Today I want to encourage you to trust God when He closes a door. Don’t assume rejection means you’ve been forgotten. Don’t believe that disappointment means God has abandoned His promises. Sometimes His greatest protection comes through opportunities that never happen. The God who redirected David is still directing the lives of His children today. He sees what you cannot see, knows what you cannot know, and lovingly guides your steps according to His perfect plan. Keep trusting Him, keep following His leading, and remember that every closed door brings you one step closer to the place where God wants you to be.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 29

1 Then the Philistines gathered together all their armies at Aphek, and the Israelites encamped by a fountain which is in Jezreel. 

2 And the lords of the Philistines passed in review by hundreds and by thousands, but David and his men passed in review at the rear with Achish. 

3 Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?”

And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul king of Israel, who has been with me these days, or these years? And to this day I have found no fault in him since he defected to me.”

4 But the princes of the Philistines were angry with him; so the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make this fellow return, that he may go back to the place which you have appointed for him, and do not let him go down with us to battle, lest in the battle he become our adversary. For with what could he reconcile himself to his master, if not with the heads of these men? 

5 Is this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying:

‘Saul has slain his thousands,

And David his ten thousands’?”

6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “Surely, as the Lord lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight. For to this day I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me. Nevertheless, the lords do not favor you. 

7 Therefore return now, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.”

8 So David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And to this day what have you found in your servant as long as I have been with you, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?”

9 Then Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are as good in my sight as an angel of God; nevertheless, the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 

10 Now therefore, rise early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you. And as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light, depart.”

11 So David and his men rose early to depart in the morning, to return to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Journal:

• Is there a closed door in my life that I need to trust God with instead of questioning?
• Can I think of a time when disappointment later became one of God’s greatest blessings?
• Am I trying to force a door open that God may be keeping closed for my good?
• What opportunity has God already placed in front of me that I can faithfully pursue today?
• How can I choose to trust God’s timing more completely this week?

When Heaven Seems Silent

“And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.” ~ 1 Samuel 28:6

Have you ever called someone, waited for them to answer, and all you got was voicemail? You check to make sure you dialed the right number, wonder if they saw your call, and then start thinking of all kinds of reasons why they haven’t responded. If we’re honest, we’ve probably all had moments when it felt like our prayers were met with silence. That is where King Saul was in today’s scripture reading.

The Philistine army was approaching, fear filled Saul’s heart, and for the first time in a long time, he genuinely wanted direction from God. The problem wasn’t that God had suddenly become unwilling to speak. Saul had spent years ignoring God’s voice when it didn’t match what he wanted to hear. Now, in his moment of crisis, he desperately wanted an answer.

Instead of humbling himself and turning back to God, Saul chose another path. He sought out a medium, the very practice he had once banned from the land. Fear had led him to this compromise.

It’s easy to shake our heads at Saul until we realize we can be tempted to do the same thing. We may not visit a medium, but we can start looking everywhere except God for the answers only He can provide.

Here are three important truths from this chapter.

1. Don’t Wait Until You’re in Crisis to Seek God

Saul didn’t suddenly become interested in hearing God’s voice because he wanted a relationship with Him. He wanted a solution to his immediate problem.

God desires much more than emergency conversations with His children. He wants daily fellowship and communion with us.

Develop the habit of spending time with God before you need an answer. Read His Word, pray, and listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading every day. Don’t wait until your marriage is struggling before you begin praying together. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed at work before asking God for wisdom. Your relationship with your heavenly Father grows stronger the same way every relationship does, by spending time together. A strong relationship is built one day at a time.

2. Fear Makes a Terrible Counselor

When Saul became afraid, his judgment became clouded. Instead of making a wise decision, he made a desperate one. Fear has a way of convincing us that we need to do something immediately, even if that something takes us farther away from God.

Sometimes fear even sounds reasonable. It whispers, “Take control,” “Figure it out yourself,” or “God is taking too long.” Fear is demanding. Most of the time, it keeps reminding you that there’s trouble and asking, “What are you going to do about it?” That only increases your sense of urgency, tempting you to make something happen instead of following the Holy Spirit’s leading.

The next time fear begins pushing you toward a quick decision, slow down. Pray first. Seek godly counsel. Give yourself time to hear from the Holy Spirit. If you’re facing a financial challenge, don’t make a major decision out of panic. Allow God’s peace to guide your next step instead of your emotions.

3. God’s Direction Is Always Better Than the World’s Alternatives

Saul looked for answers in a place where God had clearly told His people not to go. The world offers plenty of substitutes for God’s wisdom. Self-help trends, popular opinions, social media influencers, and endless advice from well meaning people can all compete for our attention. Some advice may sound appealing, but if it contradicts God’s Word, it will never lead us to His best.

When you’re searching for direction, begin with Scripture. Ask yourself, “What does God’s Word say about this?” If you’re uncertain about a relationship, a career move, or an important decision, let biblical truth be your foundation before listening to every other opinion around you.

One of the greatest discoveries I’ve made is that hearing God’s voice becomes much easier when you’ve already determined that you’ll follow whatever He says. There have been times when I desperately wanted God to answer immediately because I was facing an important decision. If I’m honest, there were moments when I hoped His answer would match the plan I had already come up with. Isn’t it funny how we sometimes ask God to bless Plan A, while secretly hoping He doesn’t suggest Plan B? Yet every time I surrendered my own ideas and chose to wait for His direction, I found that His plan was always better than the one I was trying to create. It wasn’t always easier, and it certainly wasn’t always faster, but it always brought peace and the best possible results. Over the years, I’ve found that God isn’t trying to keep us guessing. He delights in leading His children who are willing to listen and follow step by faith step.

Today I want to encourage you to make hearing God’s voice part of your everyday life, not just something you pursue when you’re facing a crisis. Build your relationship with Him now. Spend time in His Word, talk with Him throughout your day, and become familiar with the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. When difficult seasons come, and they will, you’ll already know the voice of the One who is leading you. Don’t let fear push you toward shortcuts or substitutes. The God who has faithfully led His people throughout history is still faithfully leading His children today. Trust Him, wait on Him, and follow where He leads.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 28

1Now it happened in those days that the Philistines gathered their armies together for war, to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, “You assuredly know that you will go out with me to battle, you and your men.”

2So David said to Achish, “Surely you know what your servant can do.”

And Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you one of my chief guardians forever.”

Saul Consults a Medium

3Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had lamented for him and buried him in Ramah, in his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the spiritists out of the land.

4Then the Philistines gathered together, and came and encamped at Shunem. So Saul gathered all Israel together, and they encamped at Gilboa. 

5When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 

6And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by the prophets.

7Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.”

And his servants said to him, “In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.”

8So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, “Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.”

9Then the woman said to him, “Look, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off the mediums and the spiritists from the land. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?”

10And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall come upon you for this thing.”

11Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?”

And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.”

12When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul!”

13And the king said to her, “Do not be afraid. What did you see?”

And the woman said to Saul, “I saw a spirit ascending out of the earth.”

14So he said to her, “What is his form?”

And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a mantle.” And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed down.

15Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”

And Saul answered, “I am deeply distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God has departed from me and does not answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may reveal to me what I should do.”

16Then Samuel said: “So why do you ask me, seeing the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy? 

17And the Lord has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David. 

18Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord nor execute His fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 

19Moreover the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The Lord will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”

20Immediately Saul fell full length on the ground, and was dreadfully afraid because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no food all day or all night.

21And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was severely troubled, and said to him, “Look, your maidservant has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hands and heeded the words which you spoke to me. 

22Now therefore, please, heed also the voice of your maidservant, and let me set a piece of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.”

23But he refused and said, “I will not eat.”

So his servants, together with the woman, urged him; and he heeded their voice. Then he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. 

24Now the woman had a fatted calf in the house, and she hastened to kill it. And she took flour and kneaded it, and baked unleavened bread from it. 

25So she brought it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose and went away that night.

Journal:

• Do I spend time seeking God only when I need an answer, or have I made it part of my daily life?
• Is fear influencing any decisions I’m currently facing?
• What voices have I been listening to more than God’s Word?
• Can I identify a time when waiting on God’s direction produced a better outcome than rushing ahead?
• What is one practical way I can become more intentional about listening to the Holy Spirit this week?

When Fear Starts Talking

“Then David said in his heart, ‘Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines.'” ~ 1 Samuel 27:1

Have you ever noticed how different things look at two o’clock in the morning? Problems seem bigger, fears seem louder, and every “what if” suddenly feels like it could become reality. It’s amazing how quickly our minds can create a story that God never wrote. That is where we find David in today’s scripture reading.

This is the same David who defeated Goliath, escaped Saul’s pursuit time after time, and wrote songs declaring God’s faithfulness. Yet after years of running, discouragement finally caught up with him. Instead of seeking the Lord, David began listening to the conversation inside his own head. He convinced himself that Saul would eventually kill him, even though God had already promised he would become king. Fear talked David into moving to enemy territory. It looked like a safe decision in the moment, but it was never God’s best for him.

If we’re honest, we’ve all had moments when fear became the loudest voice in the room. The good news is that God’s voice is still louder, if we’ll stop long enough to listen.

Here are three truths from this chapter that can help us when fear tries to write our future.

1. Be Careful Which Conversation You Listen To

The chapter begins by saying, “David said in his heart.” Before David ever moved to Philistine territory, he had already convinced himself that he had no other option.

How many times have we done the same thing? We start telling ourselves things like, “This will never change,” “I’ll never be good enough,” “God must have forgotten about me,” or “I guess this is just the way my life is going to be.” Those thoughts may feel real, but they aren’t always true.

Pay attention to the conversations happening in your mind. When a thought brings fear, hopelessness, or discouragement, compare it with God’s Word. If you’re facing uncertainty about your future, don’t let fear determine your next step. Open the Scriptures and remind yourself of God’s promises. His truth will always lead you farther than your fears.

2. Temporary Relief Isn’t Always God’s Best

David found temporary relief by moving into Philistine territory. Saul stopped chasing him, but David also found himself living among people who did not honor God.

Sometimes the easiest solution isn’t the best solution. We can be tempted to take shortcuts, compromise our convictions, or settle for less than God’s best simply because we’re tired of waiting.

Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “Am I responding in faith, or am I simply trying to escape discomfort?” If you’re frustrated at work, don’t quit on your hardest day without seeking God’s direction first. If a relationship becomes difficult, don’t assume walking away is the answer before praying through it. Let peace, not panic, guide your decisions.

3. God’s Promises Don’t Expire Because We Get Discouraged

Even though David wandered into enemy territory, God’s promise over his life never changed.

That gives me so much hope. There have been many times when I’ve missed it, questioned God’s timing, or become weary from waiting. Yet God’s faithfulness has never depended on my perfection. He has always been willing to redirect me when I was willing to listen.

If you’ve taken a detour, don’t stay there. God isn’t finished with your story. Return to Him, listen for His direction, and take the next step He puts before you. His grace is always greater than your mistakes.

One of the things I’ve experienced over the years is that discouragement can make even wise people think foolish thoughts. As a single mother, there were times when I became tired of waiting for answers. I wanted things to move faster, people to change sooner, and doors to open more quickly. There were times I caught myself trying to figure everything out on my own, convinced I had to make something happen. Looking back, I can see that those were the moments when I needed to quiet all the other voices and simply listen for the Holy Spirit. Every time I chose to slow down, pray, and follow His leading instead of my emotions, I found peace. The circumstances didn’t always change overnight, but my confidence did because I knew I wasn’t carrying the weight by myself anymore.

I’ve also seen where fear usually has a very loud voice, but it’s rarely a good counselor. It likes to exaggerate problems, predict outcomes that never happen, and convince us that God isn’t working when He is often doing His greatest work behind the scenes. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit doesn’t shout. He faithfully whispers truth to hearts that are willing to listen.

Today I want to encourage you to pay attention to the conversation you’re having with yourself. If fear has been telling you that your situation will never change, replace those thoughts with God’s promises. If discouragement has convinced you to settle for less than God’s best, take time to seek His direction before making your next move. The same God who faithfully led David through years of uncertainty is faithfully leading you today. His plans for your life have not changed. Stay close to Him, trust His timing, and let His voice be the one that shapes your future.

Today’s scripture reading: 1 Samuel 27

1 And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines; and Saul will despair of me, to seek me anymore in any part of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.” 

2 Then David arose and went over with the six hundred men who were with him to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 

3 So David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and his men, each man with his household, and David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s widow. 

4 And it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath; so he sought him no more.

5 Then David said to Achish, “If I have now found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” 

6 So Achish gave him Ziklag that day. Therefore Ziklag has belonged to the kings of Judah to this day. 

7 Now the time that David dwelt in the country of the Philistines was one full year and four months.

8 And David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. For those nations were the inhabitants of the land from of old, as you go to Shur, even as far as the land of Egypt. 

9 Whenever David attacked the land, he left neither man nor woman alive, but took away the sheep, the oxen, the donkeys, the camels, and the apparel, and returned and came to Achish. 

10 Then Achish would say, “Where have you made a raid today?” And David would say, “Against the southern area of Judah, or against the southern area of the Jerahmeelites, or against the southern area of the Kenites.” 

11 David would save neither man nor woman alive, to bring news to Gath, saying, “Lest they should inform on us, saying, ‘Thus David did.’ ” And thus was his behavior all the time he dwelt in the country of the Philistines. 

12 So Achish believed David, saying, “He has made his people Israel utterly abhor him; therefore he will be my servant forever.”

Journal:

• What conversations have I been having with myself lately, and do they agree with God’s Word?
• Am I making any decisions based on fear rather than faith?
• Where have I seen God remain faithful, even during seasons of waiting?
• Is there an area of my life where I need to stop trying to make something happen and instead wait for God’s direction?
• What promise from God’s Word do I need to hold on to this week?

Take a step up!

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”  ~ Mark 11:25 – 26

Have you ever noticed how it’s much easier to pray for a mountain to move than it is to forgive the person who helped build it? If only forgiveness came with a delete button and an “Are you sure?” prompt. Unfortunately, Jesus had something much better in mind.

Today I want to look at verses 25 and 26 in Mark 11, where Jesus continues teaching about having an effective faith life. After talking about mountain moving faith, it almost seems as though He suddenly changes the subject to forgiveness. But He doesn’t.

Before He talks about forgiving, He says, “Whenever you stand praying…” Prayer and forgiveness are connected. Many times I’ve started my prayer time by confessing my own sins and asking for forgiveness, but this passage takes it one step further. Jesus tells us to examine our hearts for unforgiveness before we continue praying. That caught my attention.

In Luke 17:1 – 5, the disciples asked Jesus how many times they should forgive someone who offended them. Peter probably thought he was being super spiritual when he suggested seven times. But, Jesus answered, “Seventy times seven.” The disciples were stunned. Their response wasn’t, “We’ll try harder.” Their response was, “Lord, increase our faith!”

In other words, they realized this kind of forgiveness wasn’t something they could accomplish in their own strength. They needed God’s help.

Jesus went on to explain that forgiveness is part of the life of a servant. It isn’t an optional spiritual extra for especially mature believers. It’s an act of obedience and faith that belongs in the everyday life of every follower of Christ.

To that I say, “Lord, increase my faith!” For many years I believed forgiving others was primarily for my own emotional healing, so I could let go of hurt, bitterness, and offense. While that’s certainly a wonderful result, the Lord began showing me something deeper. Forgiveness isn’t driven by feelings. Forgiveness is a decision of faith. Like so many other steps of faith, obedience comes first, then our emotions gradually catch up.

Some time ago, the Lord showed me an area where I needed to forgive someone. My immediate response was, “Yes, Lord, I forgive them. I just don’t ever want to see them again.” I honestly thought I was making great progress.

Then the Lord gently showed me something I wasn’t expecting. Forgiveness isn’t simply deciding to let something go. It’s allowing His love to fill my heart for that person.

That’s when I found myself saying once again, “Lord, increase my faith!” That certainly wasn’t my definition of forgiveness. I thought “forgive and forget” deserved a great recognition. But Jesus didn’t simply forgive me and move on. He loved me.

When I was broken, sinful, hopeless, and far from Him, He didn’t view me merely as someone who had offended Him. He saw someone who desperately needed a Savior. He forgave me, welcomed me, adopted me into His family, and poured His love into my life.

If that’s how He treated me, then I want to learn to love the people He also died to save. That kind of forgiveness is far beyond natural human thinking. Jesus didn’t see my sin merely as an offense against Himself. He saw it as a cry for help. Because He willingly forgave me, He became the bridge through which God’s love reached my heart.

In much the same way, when we truly forgive others instead of holding on to hurt, resentment, or even indifference, we become a vessel through which God can reach someone else.

That’s why the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:32, “Forgive one another, even as God in Christ Jesus forgave you.”

What if every offense became an opportunity instead of an obstacle? What if every difficult person reminded us that someone may be carrying wounds we cannot see? That perspective doesn’t excuse wrong behavior, but it allows God’s love to accomplish something far greater than revenge ever could.

Here are some ways to begin walking in forgiveness today.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal whether you’re holding on to unforgiveness toward anyone.
• Make the decision to forgive, even if your emotions haven’t caught up yet.
• Pray for the person who hurt you, asking God to work in their life as well as yours.
• Remember how completely Christ has forgiven you.
• Ask God to replace bitterness with His love and compassion.
• When painful memories return, choose once again to walk in the forgiveness you’ve already extended.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened. It means trusting God enough to release the offense into His hands and allowing His love to accomplish what bitterness never could.

Today I want to encourage you to take that next step of faith by choosing forgiveness. Don’t wait until your feelings change before you obey God. As you release offenses into His hands, you’ll discover greater freedom in your own heart, greater confidence in your prayers, and greater opportunities for God’s love to flow through you to others. The same Savior who forgave you completely will strengthen you to forgive those who have hurt you. As you take that step of faith, you’ll become a living example of His grace, opening the door for His love to reach someone who may be crying out for hope, even if they don’t yet know how to ask for it.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 11:20 – 26

20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 

21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 

23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 

26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”

Journal:

• Is there anyone I’ve forgiven with my words but still struggle to love in my heart?
• Have I been waiting for my feelings to change before taking the step of forgiveness?
• How does remembering Christ’s forgiveness toward me help me extend forgiveness to others?
• Is there someone God may be wanting to reach through my willingness to forgive?
• What practical step can I take today to release an offense and allow God’s love to fill that place instead?

Believer when you pray

“Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”  ~ Mark 11:24

Have you ever ordered something online and then checked the tracking information every few hours? You already know it’s on the way, but somehow looking at it again makes you feel like you’re helping. Prayer can be a little like that. We ask God for something, then the next day we ask again, and the next day again, almost as though He didn’t hear us the first time.

In today’s scripture reading, Jesus teaches something different. Notice one small word in this verse, “when.” He didn’t say, “Believe you receive when you see the answer.” He didn’t say, “Believe you receive when everything finally changes.” He said, “Believe that you receive when you pray.” That one word completely changed the way I pray.

There was a time when I asked God for the same thing every single day. I wasn’t praying in expectation. I was praying as though I needed to keep convincing Him to answer. Then I realized Jesus had already told me when faith begins. It begins the moment I pray in agreement with His word and promises.

When I have sincerely brought my request before my heavenly Father, I don’t have to keep asking Him for the same thing over and over because I’m not sure if He heard me or not. Instead, from that moment on, I choose to believe that I’ve received what I’ve asked for, even though I haven’t seen it yet. It is on the way from heaven into this world.

Think back to the fig tree earlier in Mark 11. Jesus spoke once. He didn’t come back every fifteen minutes and curse it again. He didn’t wonder whether His words were working. He believed what He said, walked away, and expected the results.

The disciples didn’t see the evidence until the next day, but Jesus never doubted what had happened. That’s the picture of faith. Faith receives first. Then faith sees the results later.

There are certainly times when we continue praying as the Holy Spirit leads us, especially when interceding for others or praying through situations. But when we’re standing on God’s promise, there comes a point where asking becomes believing, and believing begins thankfulness.

Thanksgiving is one of the greatest expressions of faith because you don’t thank someone for something they haven’t given you. You thank them because you believe they have.

Instead of praying, “Lord, please heal me.” Faith begins saying, “Father, thank You that You heard my prayer. Thank You for Your healing power and that it is working in my life.”

Instead of praying, “Lord, please provide.” Faith says, “Father, thank You that You are my Provider. I believe I’ve received what I’ve asked in agreement with Your Word.” That doesn’t mean we’re pretending circumstances have changed. It means we’re choosing to agree with God’s Word before our eyes see the evidence.

Here are a few practical ways to put this truth into practice today.

• Pray specifically, believing God hears you the first time.
• After you’ve prayed, begin thanking Him instead of repeatedly asking for the same thing.
• When doubt tries to creep in, go back to His promise instead of your circumstances.
• Speak words of faith instead of words of worry.
• Keep your expectation on God’s faithfulness rather than on what you currently can see or can’t see.

Faith believes first. Thanksgiving follows and waters the seed of faith that was first planted. Then, in God’s timing, the answer becomes visible in this natural world.

Today I want to encourage you to believe you receive when you pray. Don’t wait until you can see the answer before you believe God has heard you. Bring your request to Him in faith, then begin thanking Him for His faithfulness. Let thanksgiving replace anxious repetition and let confidence replace doubt. God’s Word is true whether you can see the evidence today or not. Believe you receive when you pray, continue thanking Him, and expect to see His promises become reality in His perfect timing.

Today’s Scripture Reading: Mark 11:20 – 24

20Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 

21And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”

22So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 

23For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 

24Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

Journal:

• Is there a prayer I’ve continued to repeat because I’ve struggled to believe God heard me the first time?
• What concern do I need to confidently place into God’s hands today?
• How can I replace worry with thanksgiving while I wait for God’s answer?
• In what ways have I seen God work behind the scenes in previous situations?
• What would change in my attitude this week if I truly believed God was already working on my behalf?

Leave the Spear Behind

“The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed… But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.” ~ 1 Samuel 26:11

Have you ever had the perfect opportunity to get even with someone? One of those moments when someone says something hurtful, spreads a rumor, overlooks you, or treats you unfairly. Suddenly, the perfect comeback pops into your mind. You didn’t even have to pray about it. It arrived fully prepared, complete with sound effects and background music! Then the Holy Spirit quietly whispers, “Let’s not do that.” That’s exactly the kind of moment David faced in today’s scripture reading.

Saul had been chasing David for years, trying to kill him. Yet in 1 Samuel 26, God allowed David to walk right into Saul’s camp while everyone was asleep. Saul was completely defenseless. David’s men couldn’t believe it. They thought God had handed David the opportunity to end all his problems with one quick spear throw. But David saw the situation differently. He chose to trust God’s timing instead of taking matters into his own hands.

As God’s people today, we often face moments when we have to decide whether we’ll react according to our emotions or respond according to God’s wisdom. David’s example gives us some valuable lessons for those moments.

Here are three truths that can help us leave the spear behind.

1. Not Every Opportunity Is God’s Permission

Just because a door opens, doesn’t mean God wants you to walk through it. David had the opportunity to kill Saul, but he knew it wasn’t God’s way. Sometimes circumstances make something possible, but God’s Word tells us it isn’t right.

Before making an important decision, ask yourself, “Is this consistent with God’s character and His Word?” Maybe you could expose someone who hurt you, get revenge with a harsh social media post, or repeat a piece of gossip that would make someone else look bad. You may have the opportunity, but that doesn’t mean you have God’s permission. Wisdom asks more than, “Can I?” It also asks, “Should I?”

2. Trust God to Defend You

David didn’t need to prove he was right. He trusted God to handle Saul. That takes real faith. Many times we exhaust ourselves trying to defend our reputation, explain ourselves, or make sure everyone knows our side of the story. God is very capable of taking care of His children.

When you’ve been treated unfairly, resist the urge to fight every battle yourself. If someone misunderstands your motives, says something hurtful, or overlooks your efforts, bring it to the Lord before reacting. Ask Him for wisdom, then trust Him to work in ways you cannot. God has a much better track record than we do.

3. Leave With Evidence of Grace

David didn’t leave Saul’s camp empty-handed. He took Saul’s spear and water jug. Those items became evidence that David could have taken revenge but chose mercy instead. What a powerful example and testimony.

Let your response leave evidence that God is working in your life. When someone expects anger and receives kindness instead, they notice. When they expect retaliation and receive forgiveness, they remember. Your response may speak louder than any sermon you could ever preach. Grace has a way of surprising people.

One of the things I appreciate about David is that he wasn’t pretending Saul hadn’t hurt him. David wasn’t ignoring the situation or acting like everything was fine. He simply refused to allow someone else’s wrong choices to determine his own.

In my own life I have found that it’s not always easy to respond with grace, but it is always the right way. There have been times when I wanted to defend myself or make sure everyone understood my side of the story. Yet I’ve learned that peace comes much more quickly when I trust God to handle what only He can handle. Every time I’ve surrendered those situations to Him, He has proven Himself to be far better at bringing justice than I ever could have been.

Today I want to encourage you to leave the spear behind. Don’t allow hurt, offense, or disappointment to pull you away from God’s best for your life. Trust Him enough to let Him fight the battles that belong to Him while you remain faithful to the path He has called you to walk. Choosing mercy doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you are confident that God’s justice, His timing, and His wisdom are greater than your own. When you choose His way, you’ll discover that protecting your heart is far more valuable than winning an argument and living in His peace is far better than carrying the weight of revenge. Not every opportunity is God’s opportunity, but every opportunity is an invitation to seek His wisdom before you act.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 26

1 Now the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is David not hiding in the hill of Hachilah, opposite Jeshimon?” 

2 Then Saul arose and went down to the Wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the Wilderness of Ziph. 

3 And Saul encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is opposite Jeshimon, by the road. But David stayed in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 

4 David therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saul had indeed come.

5 So David arose and came to the place where Saul had encamped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the commander of his army. Now Saul lay within the camp, with the people encamped all around him. 

6 Then David answered, and said to Ahimelech the Hittite and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah, brother of Joab, saying, “Who will go down with me to Saul in the camp?”

And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.”

7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night; and there Saul lay sleeping within the camp, with his spear stuck in the ground by his head. And Abner and the people lay all around him. 

8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, please, let me strike him at once with the spear, right to the earth; and I will not have to strike him a second time!”

9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him; for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless?” 

10 David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall go out to battle and perish. 

11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But please, take now the spear and the jug of water that are by his head, and let us go.” 

12 So David took the spear and the jug of water by Saul’s head, and they got away; and no man saw or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them.

13 Now David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of a hill afar off, a great distance being between them. 

14 And David called out to the people and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Do you not answer, Abner?”

Then Abner answered and said, “Who are you, calling out to the king?”

15 So David said to Abner, “Are you not a man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy your lord the king. 

16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you deserve to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is, and the jug of water that was by his head.”

17 Then Saul knew David’s voice, and said, “Is that your voice, my son David?”

David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 

18 And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue his servant? For what have I done, or what evil is in my hand? 

19 Now therefore, please, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant: If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if it is the children of men, may they be cursed before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day from sharing in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 

20 So now, do not let my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord. For the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains.”

21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”

22 And David answered and said, “Here is the king’s spear. Let one of the young men come over and get it. 

23 May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness; for the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 

24 And indeed, as your life was valued much this day in my eyes, so let my life be valued much in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.”

25 Then Saul said to David, “May you be blessed, my son David! You shall both do great things and also still prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.

Journal:

• Is there someone I need to stop trying to get even with and instead trust God to handle?
• Have I mistaken an opportunity for God’s permission?
• What battle am I trying to fight that I need to place into God’s hands?
• How can I respond with grace the next time someone disappoints or offends me?
• What would it look like to leave evidence of God’s work in my life through my response to difficult people?

The Right Person at the Right Time

“Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!” ~ 1 Samuel 25:32

Have you ever had someone stop you from making a really bad decision? Maybe it was a friend who talked you out of sending that emotional text message. You know the one you were absolutely sure was inspired until you reread it the next morning. Or perhaps someone lovingly challenged your perspective before you made a choice you would have regretted. Looking back, you realized they weren’t getting in your way. They were protecting your future. That’s exactly what happened to David.

After faithfully protecting Nabal’s shepherds and flocks, David simply asked for provisions for his men. Instead of expressing gratitude, Nabal insulted David and sent his servants away empty handed. David’s patience disappeared almost instantly. He strapped on his sword and set out to settle the matter himself. Thankfully, God had another plan.

Abigail stepped into the middle of a dangerous situation with wisdom, humility, and courage. Her words stopped David from making a decision that would have left a permanent stain on his future as Israel’s king. How grateful we should be for the people God places in our lives who lovingly redirect us when our emotions threaten to take control.

Here are three points from this chapter that can help us walk wisely with God today.

1. Don’t Make Permanent Decisions Based on Temporary Emotions

David had every reason to feel hurt and angry. The problem wasn’t that he had emotions. The problem was what those emotions almost caused him to do. Strong emotions often make us believe we need to act immediately. Usually, we don’t.

When emotions are running high, slow your decision making down. If someone offends you at work, don’t immediately send the email you’ve already written three times in your head. If a family member hurts your feelings, spend time talking with God before confronting them. Give the Holy Spirit room to calm your heart before you respond.

I’ve found that the messages I don’t send are often some of my best decisions.

2. God Often Sends Help Through Other People

David probably wasn’t expecting God to answer through Abigail. Yet God used one wise, courageous woman to change the direction of an entire situation. Sometimes we’re praying for God to speak while ignoring the people He has already placed around us.

Stay teachable when godly people offer wise counsel. If your spouse, pastor, trusted friend, or mentor gently points out something you need to consider, don’t become defensive. Ask God if He may be using them to protect you from making a costly mistake. God’s guidance doesn’t always come through dramatic moments. Sometimes it arrives carrying bread, raisins, and a very wise conversation.

3. Let God Handle What Belongs to Him

David thanked Abigail because she kept him from taking vengeance into his own hands. By the end of the chapter, God dealt with Nabal without David having to lift a sword. This is such an important reminder for us. When we try to do God’s job, we usually create more problems than we solve.

Release the outcome to God and focus on your own obedience. If someone has treated you unfairly, don’t spend your energy trying to get even. Continue walking in integrity and trust God to deal with the situation in His way and in His timing. God has never asked us to carry the burden of revenge. He’s asked us to trust Him.

One of my favorite parts of this chapter is that David was humble enough to change course. He could have ignored Abigail, justified his anger, and continued marching toward disaster. Instead, he listened. That moment of humility protected not only his future, but also his reputation.

I’ve experienced times when I was convinced I knew exactly what needed to happen and what I needed to do to make it happen. I had my plan, my reasoning, and what I thought was the perfect solution. Yet God, in His kindness, used the wisdom of other people and the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit to redirect me. Looking back, I’m thankful He interrupted my plans. What felt like an inconvenience at the time became one of His greatest acts of protection. Sometimes God’s greatest blessing isn’t opening the door we wanted. Sometimes it’s lovingly closing the one we were about to walk through.

Today I want to encourage you to stay teachable and trust God’s interruptions. When emotions run high, choose wisdom over reaction. Be willing to receive counsel from the people God places in your life and trust Him enough to let Him handle the battles that belong to Him. God knows how to protect your future far better than you do. He sees what you cannot see, and He is faithful to guide your steps, even if that means sending an “Abigail” across your path at exactly the right moment. Don’t resist His direction. Embrace it, because His wisdom will always lead you toward His very best.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25

1 Then Samuel died; and the Israelites gathered together and lamented for him, and buried him at his home in Ramah. And David arose and went down to the Wilderness of Paran.

2 Now there was a man in Maon whose business was in Carmel, and the man was very rich. He had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 

3 The name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and beautiful appearance; but the man was harsh and evil in his doings. He was of the house of Caleb.

4 When David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep, 

5 David sent ten young men; and David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, go to Nabal, and greet him in my name. 

6 And thus you shall say to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that you have! 

7 Now I have heard that you have shearers. Your shepherds were with us, and we did not hurt them, nor was there anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. 

8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let my young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a feast day. Please give whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’ ”

9 So when David’s young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all these words in the name of David, and waited.

10 Then Nabal answered David’s servants, and said, “Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away each one from his master. 

11 Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to men when I do not know where they are from?”

12 So David’s young men turned on their heels and went back; and they came and told him all these words. 

13 Then David said to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.” So every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went with David, and two hundred stayed with the supplies.

14 Now one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master; and he reviled them. 

15 But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor did we miss anything as long as we accompanied them, when we were in the fields. 

16 They were a wall to us both by night and day, all the time we were with them keeping the sheep. 

17 Now therefore, know and consider what you will do, for harm is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that one cannot speak to him.”

18 Then Abigail made haste and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five sheep already dressed, five seahs of roasted grain, one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 

19 And she said to her servants, “Go on before me; see, I am coming after you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

20 So it was, as she rode on the donkey, that she went down under cover of the hill; and there were David and his men, coming down toward her, and she met them. 

21 Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have protected all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that belongs to him. And he has repaid me evil for good. 

22 May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light.”

23 Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. 

24 So she fell at his feet and said: “On me, my lord, on me let this iniquity be! And please let your maidservant speak in your ears, and hear the words of your maidservant. 

25 Please, let not my lord regard this scoundrel Nabal. For as his name is, so is he: Nabal is his name, and folly is with him! But I, your maidservant, did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent. 

26 Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, since the Lord has held you back from coming to bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now then, let your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be as Nabal. 

27 And now this present which your maidservant has brought to my lord, let it be given to the young men who follow my lord. 

28 Please forgive the trespass of your maidservant. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord an enduring house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil is not found in you throughout your days. 

29 Yet a man has risen to pursue you and seek your life, but the life of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God; and the lives of your enemies He shall sling out, as from the pocket of a sling. 

30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord has done for my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel, 

31 that this will be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. But when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your maidservant.”

32 Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! 

33 And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand. 

34 For indeed, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has kept me back from hurting you, unless you had hurried and come to meet me, surely by morning light no males would have been left to Nabal!” 

35 So David received from her hand what she had brought him, and said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have heeded your voice and respected your person.”

36 Now Abigail went to Nabal, and there he was, holding a feast in his house, like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, little or much, until morning light. 

37 So it was, in the morning, when the wine had gone from Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became like a stone. 

38 Then it happened, after about ten days, that the Lord struck Nabal, and he died.

39 So when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept His servant from evil! For the Lord has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.”

And David sent and proposed to Abigail, to take her as his wife. 

40 When the servants of David had come to Abigail at Carmel, they spoke to her saying, “David sent us to you, to ask you to become his wife.”

41 Then she arose, bowed her face to the earth, and said, “Here is your maidservant, a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 

42 So Abigail rose in haste and rode on a donkey, attended by five of her maidens; and she followed the messengers of David, and became his wife. 

43David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and so both of them were his wives.

44But Saul had given Michal his daughter, David’s wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was from Gallim.

Journal:

• Is there a situation where my emotions are influencing my decisions more than God’s wisdom?
• Has God recently used someone to give me counsel that I needed to hear?
• Am I trying to handle a situation that I need to place in God’s hands?
• Who has been an “Abigail” in my life, helping me avoid a poor decision?
• How can I become more teachable and responsive to God’s direction this week?

A Heart That Waits for God

“The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” ~ 1 Samuel 24:6

Have you ever been handed the perfect opportunity to get even with someone? Maybe someone spoke unfairly about you, overlooked your hard work, or treated you in a way that left you hurt and frustrated. Then, all of a sudden, the tables turned. You had the chance to prove them wrong, expose them, or finally settle the score. In those moments, our flesh usually whispers, “This is your chance!” But God often whispers something very different.

That was David’s situation in today’s reading. King Saul had spent years pursuing David with one goal in mind, to kill him. Yet in one unexpected moment, Saul unknowingly walked into the very cave where David was hiding. David’s men couldn’t believe it. They were convinced God had delivered Saul into David’s hands. Everything seemed to point to one conclusion. Finally, this ends now.

Instead, David quietly cut off the corner of Saul’s robe. Even then, his conscience was troubled because he knew he had dishonored the king God had appointed. David understood something that many of us forget. Just because an opportunity presents itself doesn’t mean God is giving us permission to act on it.

Here are three lessons from David’s response that can help us navigate difficult relationships and challenging circumstances today.

1. Not Every Opportunity Is God’s Permission

David’s men interpreted the situation as God’s answer but David listened to God’s heart instead of the opinions around him. Sometimes what looks like an open door is actually a test of our character.

Before making an important decision, pause and ask yourself if it agrees with God’s character and His Word. Maybe someone who has hurt you suddenly becomes vulnerable. Instead of taking advantage of the situation, choose mercy. Or maybe you’re offered a shortcut at work that compromises your integrity. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.

Opportunity should never become a substitute for obedience.

2. Let God Be the Judge

David refused to take revenge because he trusted God to handle Saul in His own way and in His own time. That’s one of the hardest lessons we learn as believers. We like justice, especially when we’re the ones who have been wronged. Sometimes we’d even like to help God administer it.

Release your need to make everything right. If someone has spoken against you, don’t spend all your energy trying to defend yourself. Continue living with integrity and trust God to reveal the truth in His timing. The truth is that God has a much better reputation for handling difficult people than I do.

3. Character Is Built in the Cave

The cave was more than David’s hiding place. It became his classroom. No one else would have blamed David for taking Saul’s life. Yet David’s private decision revealed the condition of his heart. Our greatest moments of spiritual growth often happen when no one else is watching.

Choose to honor God in the unseen moments. Respond with kindness when no one expects it. Keep your word even when it costs you something. Continue doing what is right even when it seems like no one notices. God develops public leaders through private obedience.

One of my favorite parts of this chapter is that David trusted God’s timing more than his own emotions. He knew God had already promised him the throne, but he refused to take it in a way that violated God’s principles. David wasn’t just waiting for a position. He was allowing God to shape his heart while he waited.

I’ve experienced many times in my life where I wanted God to move much faster than He did. There were times I thought I knew exactly how He should solve a problem or open a door. Looking back, I’m so thankful He didn’t always do things my way. While I was focused on changing my circumstances, God was focused on changing my heart. Many of the delays I questioned became the very places where He strengthened my faith, taught me patience, and reminded me that His ways are always better than mine.

Today I want to encourage you to trust God’s timing even when it seems like you have the perfect opportunity to take matters into your own hands. Don’t allow hurt, frustration, or impatience to pull you away from God’s best. Choose integrity over revenge, obedience over shortcuts, and trust over fear. The same God who protected David in the cave is watching over your life today. He knows what has been done to you, He knows what He has promised you, and He is more than able to bring His plans to pass without you compromising your character. Let God fight the battles that belong to Him while you remain faithful to the path He has placed before you.

Today’s Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24

1 Now it happened, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told him, saying, “Take note! David is in the Wilderness of En Gedi.” 

2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men from all Israel and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 

3 So he came to the sheepfolds by the road, where there was a cave; and Saul went in to attend to his needs. (David and his men were staying in the recesses of the cave.) 

4 Then the men of David said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it seems good to you.’ ” And David arose and secretly cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 

5 Now it happened afterward that David’s heart troubled him because he had cut Saul’s robe. 

6 And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord.” 

7 So David restrained his servants with these words and did not allow them to rise against Saul. And Saul got up from the cave and went on his way.

8 David also arose afterward, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, saying, “My lord the king!” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed down. 

9 And David said to Saul: “Why do you listen to the words of men who say, ‘Indeed David seeks your harm’? 

10 Look, this day your eyes have seen that the Lord delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 

11 Moreover, my father, see! Yes, see the corner of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the corner of your robe, and did not kill you, know and see that there is neither evil nor rebellion in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my life to take it. 

12 Let the Lord judge between you and me and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. 

13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 

14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? 

15 Therefore let the Lord be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my case, and deliver me out of your hand.”

16 So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 

17 Then he said to David: “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. 

18 And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. 

19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore, may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 

20 And now I know indeed that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 

21 Therefore swear now to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name from my father’s house.”

22 So David swore to Saul. And Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold.

Journal:

• Is there a situation where I have been tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God?
• Have I mistaken an opportunity for God’s permission?
• Is there someone I need to release into God’s hands instead of trying to change them myself?
• What is God developing in my character during this current season?
• How can I choose integrity over convenience this week?