I recently read the story of David in one setting and the one thing that struck me was David’s hard and difficult life. In particular, his relationship with Saul struck me as being particularly difficult. The problems between the two lasted for at least 15 years. David, unfortunately became Saul’s arch enemy as we find in the following scriptures

1 Samuel 18:25  ‘and Saul was still more afraid of David. So Saul became David’s enemy continually’

1 Samuel 23:8-9  ‘⁸ Then Saul called all the people together for war, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. ⁹ When David knew that Saul plotted evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.”

1 Samuel 23:14  ‘¹⁴ And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness, and remained in the mountains in the Wilderness of Ziph. Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand’

1 Samuel 18:10  ‘The next day an evil spirit from God came forcefully on Saul. He was prophesying in his house, while David was playing the lyre, as he usually did. Saul had a spear in his hand ¹¹ and he hurled it, saying to himself, “I’ll pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice’

These are just a sample of the many records in the scriptures of Saul trying to kill David. We can just visualise David watching out for Saul every day. In addition to the difficulties with Saul, David faced a lot of other difficulties in his life. So what kept him going?

Before we answer that, apart from David experiencing all these distressing situations, we see a true worshipper. He displayed an unwavering trust and confidence in God. How do we reconcile having a difficult lifestyle and having a thankful heart?

The connection between the two, I believe is explained in Philippians 4:6-7.

^‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’.

David certainly graduated with honours in the thanksgiving department. He wrote a lot of the thanksgiving psalms in the scriptures. There are also numerous references to David inquiring of the Lord, before he took certain steps

 We also come humbly asking or petitioning God in earnest expectation. When we experience difficulty, the scriptures encourage us to come humbly before God to ask and petition Him with earnest expectation and in return He promises that we would have peace in our hearts. Peace in the midst of a storm.

We will all face difficulties at some stage or another. We will do well to heed the words of the scripture. Christian Businesses are no exception.  The formula is simple: petition and thanksgiving. Let’s remember this when next we are faced with difficult situations.

Until I appear again in your inbox, with more insight from the scriptures, stay blessed

Ola

Last update : Tuesday 08/09/11

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