David was a man after God's heart, but he still struggled. In today’s devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef digs into a time of despair in the life of David.
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[00:00:00] You are listening to MY Devotional, the Daily Devotional from Dr. Michael Youssef and Leading The Way. Living in the Light of Your Testimony by Dr. Michael Youssef David had gone to Jonathan, drowning in self-pity. He knew Saul was trying to kill him
[00:00:19] and David was anxious and afraid, filling sorry for himself. He had forgotten about God's past faithfulness. Consider how focused he was in this encounter. What have I done? What is my crime? How have I wronged your father
[00:00:33] that he's trying to kill me? How many times while talking to Jonathan did he testify to God's power, favor and will in his life? Not one time. Rather than trusting God for the destiny he had promised him when Samuel anointed him
[00:00:48] the next king of Israel, David went into full retreat mode. He was backing away, scared that Saul would kill him. So instead of relying on the Lord, David decided he
[00:00:59] need to make his own plan. He secretly went to Jonathan and asked his best friend to live for him. That's right. David forgot his testimony and before long he was running headlong in the sin and a feeble attempt to protect himself.
[00:01:17] Sad is that is, we must remember that David was never a perfect person. He stumbled and fell from time to time, however when God's conviction came upon him, he turned back and repentance and wept before the Lord. That was his greatness. Never forget that.
[00:01:34] Here was David's plan. He wouldn't show up at the king's table for two nights. When Saul inevitably asked where he was, Jonathan would lie and say David had asked permission to return to Bethlehem for a sacrifice. Saul's reaction would tell him whether Saul
[00:01:50] was truly serious about murdering him. Saul did indeed blow up at the news so Jonathan returned to the field where David was hiding to shoot arrows in the morning after the two nights of feasting. Following their planned signals, Jonathan shot an arrow and sent
[00:02:05] his servant to retrieve it calling out, isn't the arrow beyond you and David began his life on the run? Like David, you may be experiencing life circumstances totally out of your control. When you start feeling sorry for yourself, I want you to look outside
[00:02:22] of yourself. Look up, go back to your testimony. If it's rusted, ask the Holy Spirit to polish it a fresh. Remember, God is leading you upward as he did with David. Let's pray together. Father, thank you for David's example, man after your own heart.
[00:02:42] Even as he stumbled from time to time, you did not give up on him. You're always faithful even when we are faithful. May we remember this truth and stand firm on your promise never to leave or forsake us. And pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.