Friday, July 22, 2016

                                               Perspective

                                                             1 Samuel 18:12
                                                  Now Saul was afraid of David,
                                                 because the LORD was with him,
                                                      but had departed from Saul. 

While studying 1 Samuel, I read how David found such favor with Saul that Saul set him over the men of war. All was well, Saul was pleased with David, until it came time to come home from war and killing the Philistine. 

                              Now it had happened as they were coming home, when David
                              was returning from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women
                              had come out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet
                              King Saul with tambourines, with joy, and with musical instruments. 
                            
                              So the women sang as they danced, and said:
                              "Saul has slain his thousands,
                              And David his ten thousands."                            __1 Samuel 18:6-7

The Scriptures go on to say;
                              Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him;
                              and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands,
                              to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more 
                              can he have but the kingdom."                            __1 Samuel 18:8

This is when it happened. Jealousy set in and unbeknown to David, from that point on Saul set out to kill him. 

As I read this, I couldn't help but wonder how often we see others through a false perspective. All is fine until a word spoken, a look given, or an attitude misunderstood happens and no longer do we trust that person, nor think of them as we once did. Just as David had no idea why Saul turned on him, I wonder if we have ever allowed a relationship to be destroyed as did Saul. 

Perhaps someone has turned on you and you have no idea why. It hurts, we become confused. The Lord sees our heart and knows our ways. At times like this we can only rest in Him to make it right. 

                                But You, O Lord, know me;
                                You have tested my heart toward You.            __Jeremiah 12:3

                                Seek good and not evil, that you may live;
                                So the LORD GOD of hosts will be with you.         __Amos 5:14