1 Samuel 18-20

Thanks to God, David finds favor everywhere he goes, in everything he does.  He has just defeated Goliath, the Philistine giant, and Saul's fear of David festers throughout 1 Samuel 18-20.  David marries Saul's daughter, Michal, and becomes Saul's son-in-law (of all things).  And even though Saul accepts David into his family, his motives prove to be dangerous and life-threatening for David.  God knows what's going on, and he uses Jonathan, Saul's son and David's best friend, to keep Israel's new king safe.

David is in a really tough spot.  His situation is so complicated today!  How about you?  Do you ever find yourself between a rock and a hard place?

David is now the anointed king, but he's not taking over the kingly duties yet.  He is in this weird period of waiting.  He's serving the former, but still active King Saul (who hates him), and he is married to Saul's daughter.  Not to mention, David is a star officer in Israel's army, and Saul purposefully puts him in harm's way as often as possible.  And, when David's life isn't on the line in battle, Saul attempts to kill him again and again.

It's a lot of craziness going on!

Yet, it is clear that God is with David.  God is the source of his success.  It's happening step by step, David just doesn't fully know the extent of his success at this point in the story.

14 In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him.

1 Samuel 18:14

True success comes from God.  It's ours for the taking even when we have a whole lot of craziness going on.  We have to trust our Creator and Redeemer.  

It's easier said than done.

God wants to use each of us, and I believe God wants all of us to succeed.

One of God's greatest gifts in this world is divine friendship.  He blesses us with friends and family members who truly love us for who He made us to be.   

These kind of friendships are invaluable in sustaining us, supporting us, and encouraging us as we go from here to there in living out His plan for our lives.

Jonathan is that kind of friend to David.  They have a tight, special bond that goes way beyond temporary circumstances.  It's a God driven relationship.

After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.

1 Samuel 18:1

Jonathan is a life-saver in David's life.

So that's where I want to stop today and give thanks.  

How about you?  Do you have any life-saving friendships?

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for blessing me with divine friendships.  Thank You for using those friendships in life-saving ways.

I especially grateful for (name those on your hear)_______________________.

I lift him/her/them up to You today and pray You will bless him/her/them.  

Guide me in the ways You need me to be a friend.

In the name of Your Son, Jesus, I pray,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.