Day 109

1 Samuel 30-31; 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 4:4; 1 Chronicles 9:40-44; 10:1-14; 12:20-22. “Painful Experiences”

Years have passed since David was anointed king by Samuel.  Those years have been spent running from King Saul, the very one he would succeed.  So, when David gets the news Saul has died, is his response joy, excitement and relief?  No.  Quite the contrary.
David mourned Saul’s death.  His sorrow was genuine and intense.  So much so that all of his men mourned with him over the death of Saul and Jonathan.
David, who was a master of the sword, was also a master of the pen.  The man who wrote so many psalms now composed a funeral song for Saul and Jonathan.
David could have responded with a critical self-righteous attitude thinking Saul got what he deserved, but he did not.  And instead of joy he lamented deeply.  David knew God was the true judge.  He also knew that Saul was God’s anointed.  David respected authority.  He felt compassion.  He knew pain and loss.
Although he is not yet officially king, David is maturing rapidly through experiences.  God takes us through experiences with the intent of maturing and growing us into something great and genuine.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?