How well do you view the wisdom and success of your rivals?
Perceive: In verse 5, the Hebrew word for success more accurately refers to acting with wisdom rather than achieving triumphs. Like Joseph, God blessed David. He was new to army life, and despite his youth and inexperience, he conducted himself in ways that were notable by others including the king. He was wise and teachable. The servants liked him, the troops followed him, and the women honored him. Instead of being pleased with the progress of this young giant-killer, Saul became suspicious and filled with jealousy.
Practice: The more Saul became suspicious, the worse he reacted. He let his fear impact his behaviors. Allowing your thoughts to empower distrust and suspiciousness leads the mind quickly into a personality that demonstrates evil behaviors. Our motives often determine how we evaluate the actions of someone else. Jealousy has a progression. It starts with resentment which leads to wanting someone removed. It goes from wanting to remove someone to actively harming that person in thought, word, and actions. James 3:16 states, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”
Pray: Lord help me be wise and teachable like David, and when I see a rival living wise and enjoying success, enable me to rejoice and be glad for them.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
Practice: The more Saul became suspicious, the worse he reacted. He let his fear impact his behaviors. Allowing your thoughts to empower distrust and suspiciousness leads the mind quickly into a personality that demonstrates evil behaviors. Our motives often determine how we evaluate the actions of someone else. Jealousy has a progression. It starts with resentment which leads to wanting someone removed. It goes from wanting to remove someone to actively harming that person in thought, word, and actions. James 3:16 states, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”
Pray: Lord help me be wise and teachable like David, and when I see a rival living wise and enjoying success, enable me to rejoice and be glad for them.
This devotional challenge comes from The Heart of a Lion - King David of Israel and is available on Amazon.com
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