APRIL 15 READINGS...1 Samuel 20:1-21:15 & Psalm 34
David’s relationship grows with Jonathan...as Saul’s torment continues. Saul is determined to kill David, and while he tried to be deceitful to Jonathan about his plans previously...now his hatred has grown so much he cannot hide it any longer...it even comes out against Jonathan, when he tried kill him with a spear. Hatred never remains the same...we either take care of it, by handing it over to the Lord, or it will consume and control us. Hatred moves us to a place of wrong thinking, and makes it impossible for us to enjoy life, or enjoy those with whom we have relationships. We are able to stand against that which is contrary to us, to truth and goodness, without being consumed by hatred. The kind of controlling hatred that Saul had destroyed everything in his life...and it will do the same thing to us.
In today’s reading we read Psalm 34, which was a Psalm of David that was offered to the Lord praising Him for His faithfulness toward him in all things. David’s heart was filled with praise and he expressed his thankfulness to the Lord by acknowledging His answer of prayer...His freedom from fear...and His protective hand. David praised God for His goodness, and His continued provision. David was assured that the Lord always watched over him...and gives redemption, rather than condemnation. This Psalm is not only a wonderful expression of David’s praise, but should be one of ours also. Everything David spoke of is true for us. What a great and good God we have. We don’t need to live in fear or concern...for God is everything we need. Take time to express this wonderful Psalm personally to the Lord.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READINGS...1 Samuel 22:1-2 & Psalm 57 & 142 & 1 Chronicles 12:8-18 & 1 Samuel 22:3-23 & Psalm 52 & 1 Samuel 23:1-12