1 Samuel 23; Psalm 63; 1 Samuel 24; Psalm 57; Psalm 142; 1 Samuel 25;

Psalm 54; 1 Samuel 26 – 30

If I had been anointed by Samuel, the prophet of Yahweh, and told that I was the selected one of God to become king, I would help God achieve this any way I could. After all, if this is the will of God then I can help press the matter and move things along for Him. He will appreciate it, I’m sure. He will thank me later. Sure there is still a guy named Saul on the throne, but God has said He wants him gone. The sooner the better.

David never took this approach. In fact, he often went to the opposite extreme to allow God plenty of time to act. He asked the LORD if he should go to Keliah, but when he heard Saul was coming he asked again and went away into the Wilderness. Saul comes after him and even into the very cave David hid in, and David show restraint and merely cuts off a portion of Saul garment. Patience. God promised David the throne, but David knew if had to be in God’s timing, not his own.

During this time his psalms shout “glory to God” and “save me from my enemies”. David cries out for mercy for himself and justice for those persecuting him. In his deep faith he knows God is in control, and he is willing to wait for the LORD to act. In his heart and mind, he knew Saul was also the anointed of God. Yahweh did not need his help, simply his devotion. David consult with the LORD, and Saul consults with a medium.

We often try to hurry God’s judgment along on our timetable. It’s called “judgmentalism”. You know, in the end all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an answer for the things done in the body whether good or evil. And, when Jesus comes back He will separate the sheep from the goats, welcome the sheep into heaven and send away the goats into outer darkness. Since God made this clear, I’m sure He will appreciate my help as I go along condemning people now. They will get theirs sooner or later, so it might as well be sooner.

A person with a heart for God has patience with God. Instead, Yahweh is the One Peter said was patient, not wanting anyone to be lost. Jesus said the tares would live alongside the wheat until the day of harvest. Yahweh rejected Saul as king, but until he drew his last breath God never rejected him as a living soul. David adopted the same perspective, just as we should with folks in our life. Allow God the time to act and keep His promises. Be patient WITH God, and strive to be as patient AS God.

Consider His nature. Consider His ways. Strive to love Him more!