Divine Will (1 Samuel 19)

I suppose David might have been excited to be anointed by Samuel as a chosen king, but he faced years of trial before actually being positioned as such. Through the many challenges, like Saul's pursuit of his life, David learned to trust in God's divine will. Chapter 19 of 1 Samuel shows us the persistence of God toward his divine will and its inclusion of everyday challenges that shape our character. We'll look at it from two different perspectives.

DAVID'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul was bent toward David's destruction because of jealousy, so much that he attempted to kill him. Saul commanded his servants to murder David, but was assuaged by Jonathan's plea on his friend's behalf (19:1). Saul next tried to pin David to the wall with a spear in an angry rage (v.10). After escaping, David was chased down in his home with the wife present (v.11). Lastly, David fled out the window and to the prophet Samuel. Thrice Saul sent messengers who were inhibited from completing the task by the Spirit of God. Saul's last, personal attempt to apprehend David from Samuel's protection was also thwarted by the Spirit of God.

David fled for his life with the echoing promise of God's will in his heart. Life as a fugitive tested David's trust in God's word. Is the God who gave His promise able to carry it out without David being the one to accomplish? The victory with Goliath and over the Philistines in war (v.8) had David looking pretty good. He accomplished much through God's blessing on his own physical ability. But in Chapter 19, we see divine favor acting on David's behalf. Disappointment was met with reminders of hope.

SAUL'S PERSPECTIVE
Saul tried exhaustingly to accomplish his personal goals outside of God's favor and outside of God's stated will. Each time, the diminishing King had doors shut in his face...his son pleaded otherwise, his daughter betrayed him, his servants could not withstand the power of the Spirit of God and neither could he. God's divine will was set against Saul, inhibiting every step.

Both perspectives, that of David and that of Saul, operate within the divine will of God. Both likely experienced disappointment and disillusionment, but only one could claim hope. David could face the daily challenges in light of hope, because he was within God's will. Saul had no hope because he treated God as his enemy.

If we have aligned ourselves within the stated will of God, imperfect as we may be, God is working for our best end. Disappointments may come, but they may be faced with hope. God is faithful to accomplish His word, His stated will. He is not a liar. Disappointments and challenges will be a part of our character formation and a part of this fallen world. Yet, we have a secure hope in God.

© 2007 by Kendra Hinkle