How to Respond to Troubles
When I read the Bible, I can’t help by notice the stark difference between David and Saul. Two entirely different people. I have a chronological Bible, so it has daily readings with the Biblical events put in the order they occurred. For today’s reading, it had David’s perspective in trouble, and it had Saul’s perspective in trouble. I know whose faith I would want to have! Let’s look at a list of things to do and not do…
When David was in distress, he recognized his fault in the matter: “You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from You” (Psalm 69:5). So often our pride flares up that we are unwilling to see our part in the problem we face. David recognized this and sought God; Saul, on the other hand, did not.
It states in 1 Samuel 28: 18: “Because you did not obey the Lord or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the Lord has done this to you today.” Saul had never went down to his knees. In my daily reading, I didn’t see him once owning up to his sin.
Despite going through the struggle of persecution, David took time to consider others while in his own battle. He says, “May those who hope in You not be disgraced because of me…” (Psalm 69:6). This showed some selflessness on the part of David. He recognized the effect this might have on other people. I know that for me, someone struggling with OCD, I have put my loved ones through a lot. I’ve let me inner battles drag them down with me.
Saul brought people down with him. Not only did he take two men with him to consult a witch (which was a very disobedient thing to do!), his decisions even affected all Israel – including his sons—as they were to be handed over to the Philistines. Talk about a horrible chain reaction! He didn’t think how his actions might affect those he ruled over and his own family.
David realized that this was his fate. He stated, “For I endure scorn for your sake” (Psalm 69:7). He was willing to endure. So many of us don’t want to patiently endure; we want results now! And so, like Saul, we may turn to other things (drugs, alcohol, sex, secular advice, people, materialistic things, ect.) to get a quick fix. Saul turned to a witch—the very opposite of turning to God.
In my own struggle with OCD, there was a point where I turned to a secular blog to try, what I hoped to be, a recovery strategy. This strategy was ERP, which is basically purposely putting yourself in a situation you fear (even if it goes against the Bible). To this day, I still struggle with the advice I listened to. It has had terrible ramifications.
Before I read that article, I was driving and saw a huge window decal of a picture of Jesus’ face on the back of a truck; it was beautiful and powerful. What if I had taken the time to consult God before looking at that horrible, secular article? What if I had pulled over and, like David, sought my God? What if I had patiently waited for His deliverance?
When going through a struggle, it’s easy to forget the goodness God has shown you throughout your life. David remembered all the lifesaving, wonderful qualities of God…
David also praises despite his persecution…
What did Saul do? He complained about God… “‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has turned away from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams’” (1 Samuel 28: 15).
Do you see the differences here? Two men – same struggles – different responses, different outcomes. David becomes king, Saul and his sons are killed. Now the question you and I should ask ourselves is this… do we want to be like David or Saul? I know I’ve seen too much of Saul in my life to this point! I want to be like David!!
Additional Encouragement:
“Praise Him in This Storm” {Song}: https://youtu.be/YmGu66eQmM4
"Confidence" {Song}: https://youtu.be/MEGGVmSSr-I