It is Better

The LORD is on my side, and I am not afraid of what others can do to me.

With the LORD on my side, I will defeat all of my hateful enemies.

It is better to trust the LORD for protection than to trust anyone else, including strong leaders. Psalm 118:6-9 (CEV)

In 1 Samuel 18-31, King Saul pursues David for no other reason than a jealous rage. Saul was convinced that David would kill him and take over his kingdom. David, in fact, had specifically been given orders by God not to harm “God’s anointed”, meaning Saul. So, no matter what the provocation, David would not have killed Saul. Bur Saul made David’s life miserable by chasing him across the known territory several times. Was this song written by David during that time? Of course, we don’t know that. It certainly could have been written in those circumstances, don’t you think?

It has happened several times in my life that I have been afraid of how circumstances might play out. David reminds me that it is God and God alone who has the control. It is God that I should always discuss my concerns, my fears, the options for ‘what next’.

“It is better …” There is the bottom line. It is better to trust God and Him alone for everything. Oh, I can sometimes reason things out and come to the same conclusion but when I turn to God first and look to Him for guidance first, I walk the better path. I trust the way, the truth, and the life.

As I continue to read about Saul, I find great insight into what I do not want my relationship with God to be. Saul spent the majority of his time in disobedience, pride in self, and fear in man, not God. There are many lessons for me to learn here. May my ears and heart be open to learn from Saul’s mistakes!

Please, Lord, please save us.
Please, Lord, please give us success.
Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord.
We bless you from the house of the Lord.
The Lord is God, shining upon us.
Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you!
You are my God, and I will exalt you!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:25-29 (NLT)

There are so many, many things to gives thanks to God. Maybe right now is a good time to name … three of them. Because He is good and His love does endure – forever!

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