Saturday 15 October, 2016

18 David finished talking with Saul. After that, Jonathan and David became close friends. Jonathan loved David just as he loved himself. 2 From that time on, Saul kept David with him. He didn’t let him return home to his family. 3 Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him just as he loved himself. 4 Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David. He also gave him his military clothes. He even gave him his sword, his bow and his belt. 5 David did everything Saul sent him to do. He did it so well that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. That pleased Saul’s whole army, including his officers. 6 After David had killed Goliath, the men of Israel returned home. The women came out of all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul. They danced and sang joyful songs. They played harps and tambourines. 7 As they danced, they sang, “Saul has killed thousands of men. David has killed tens of thousands.” 8 That song made Saul very angry. It really upset him. He said to himself, “They are saying David has killed tens of thousands of men. But they are saying I’ve killed only thousands. The only thing left for him to get is the kingdom itself.” 9 From that time on, Saul watched David closely.

Saul was more focused on himself and how others perceived him rather than the actual outcome. David was successful in defeating Israel’s enemies, which meant Saul was king of a victorious nation, yet all he saw was David’s popularity. His insecurity blinded him to the bigger picture and he felt threatened by the presence of someone more successful than himself.

What a familiar situation! How often do I get caught up in what people think of me rather than the actual outcome. Am I paying attention to the students who are learning and growing or am I fixated on misbehaviour or disengagement, because it ‘proves’ I’m not a good teacher? Am I stepping back and seeing people enjoying the meal or am I worried about the food being overdone and people thinking I’m not a good cook?

Saul could not celebrate with his people, could not enjoy their gladness, because he was offended by it!

God, please help me to get my security from you such that I can take a step back, see the bigger picture, and be fully present in the moment. I want to celebrate the David’s in my world and enjoy the successes of those around me. Amen.

Written by Beth Waugh