Day 7

TRUST GOD WITH YOUR LIFE

"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." Psalm 55:22

The lives of David and Saul teach us lessons about building a relationship with and serving the Lord. Samuel and Jonathan show how knowing God affects our attitudes to others. Samuel was deeply hurt by the people's decision 1 Sam. 12:1-3 but he loved greatly in spite of it v23. Jonathan, heir apparent to the throne, was a model son and prince but refused to tarnish his integrity by disloyalty to his beloved friend (1 Sam. 23:16-18).

The hatred and treachery of Absalom and the ruthlessness of Joab show how lives lived selfishly lead to ever more difficult situations and an end which is anything but fulfilment and peace. Hannah was faithful, Abigail the farsighted diplomat, Uzzah guilty of gross presumption. Israel as a whole was fickle, first demanding a king then slighting God's chosen vessel when it suited them and giving loyalty to gain favour when things went wrong.

The whole spectrum of human life and emotion is present in the books of Samuel and, most vitally, so is the love and patience of God leading Israel and the individuals who turn to him.

Israel rejected God as ruler (1 Sam. 8:7) but his love bore with them (1 Sam. 12:20) and when they trusted him he worked on their behalf (1 Sam. 14:6,15,23). When he was dishonoured God suffered because of his love (1 Sam. 15:11) but he still worked for the good of his people (1 Sam. 16:1,7,14). In the new king he chose God demonstrated the truth of Isaiah 40:5. There is no one to compare with God in greatness or in his faithfulness to his children.

David saw the fulfilment of God's promise to him in his reign but then failed God desperately. Yet when David repented God forgave and magnified that promise 2 Sam. 7:25,26. How well David understood God's expectations is seen in his charge to Solomon 1 Kings 2:1-4. How well he also understood that God takes charge of and responsibility for the life that is yielded to him Psalm 55:22.

Finally look at Psalm 37:39,40, David's conviction based on his own experience which can provide us with a guide in facing the challenges, changes and crises of life as we journey towards our chosen destination.