Readings for today: 1 Samuel 21-24, Psalms 84
One of the most important things I have learned in life is to walk with open hands before the Lord but it is not easy. In order to do this, one has to set aside their anxieties and fears. One has to relinquish their ego and pride. One has to give up control over their life. I will tell you I didn’t do this willingly. God took me through an extremely painful season to get me to unclench my fists. Once I did, I found a freedom and a joy and a peace that I had hadn’t experienced since my initial conversion. I discovered I had more energy than I thought possible. All kinds of new opportunities and new experiences opened up to me that I would never have considered before. All because I finally surrendered to God.
In our reading today, we see a stark contrast between Saul who is trying like crazy to hold onto his kingdom and David, who is walking with an open heart before the Lord. Saul knows his days are numbered so he does all he can to tighten his grip. He is paranoid. He seeks to eliminate every single possible threat. And the more he clenches his fist, the more the kingdom slips through his fingers. It’s like trying to hold onto water or sand. David, on the other hand, is living in the freedom of the Lord. Though he’s been promised the kingdom, he trusts God with the timing. He maintains his integrity and refuses to raise his hand against God’s anointed king. Even when given the opportunity to strike, David stays his hand. Jonathan also walks with open hands as well. He is the rightful heir to the throne but he doesn’t hold onto it. He refuses to allow his ego to get in the way. He acknowledges David’s rightful claim and even promises to serve at David’s right hand. What a powerful example of humility and relinquishment!
Do you walk with open hands before the Lord? Do you consciously and regularly surrender all your time and energy and resources to Him? Do you give Him control over your life? On the flip side, where are you holding on too tight? What areas of your life are you refusing to relinquish? Where has your ego taken hold and can you let go? These are important questions to ponder and pray over as we think about our relationships in every sphere of life from the home to our extended family to our work to our lifestyle to our faith.
Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 25-27, Psalms 85