1 Samuel 26:9-11
1 Samuel 26:9-11
But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike him, or his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”
PRAYER DIRECTION
Romans 12:17-19 says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
David knew King Saul, and he knew his heart was eroding with sin, but David feared the Lord more. He showed his full trust in the Lord in his restraint to kill King Saul, and also encouraged his men to practice the same humility. A man who was hunted, betrayed, and pushed to limits most of us could not withstand became a beautiful example of “love others more than you love yourself” because of his love for the Lord. David did not allow the spoiled heart of King Saul to poison his own. Instead, in humility, he put Saul in the Lord’s hands, believing fully in the God who created them.
PRAYER
Lord, how I need Your mercy! Please bring to my mind any moments I have chosen to be the one to avenge myself. I repent of pride. Teach me, Lord, to give thought to my actions so that I can honor You. Holy Spirit, please slow my words, emotions, and actions so I can learn to trust You fully. Show me where I do not fear You the most so that, with humility and reverence, I can better understand the deep love and mercy You have for me. And from that, help me to know how to love and give mercy to those around me. Thank You for Your grace, guidance, and Your Word that speaks to even the hardest places. I believe that You want me free from this task that I have put on myself. I surrender it back to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


