David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him. 1 Samuel 18:14 NLT
Read 1 Samuel 18.
Have you ever felt lost in the shadow of someone else? I remember driving my younger sister crazy because I was allowed to drive, date, wear make-up, etc. two years before her. She couldn’t stand that she had to wait, even though we would reach each milestone at the same age. As the older sister, however, I felt the need to rub it in and fuel her envy. I got a charge from upsetting her. Wasn’t I sweet?
I have been on the other end as well, and it is no fun! When I was in high school, I had been known for my musical ability, and I won first place for an “Excellence in Music” scholarship award. However, when I went away to college to major in music, I was suddenly a nobody again. I was lost in a sea of amazing talent, and I could not compete with the caliber of musical ability that loomed over me. I quickly became frozen with intimidation, and I lost my confidence.
At the time, it did not occur to me that I was comparing myself with seniors and with those who had more experience than I did. But that did not make me less talented just because of how I compared to others. For example, I could not play the piano like my friend Randy, but I could sing, and I could teach. My voice wasn’t as pretty as Melanie’s, but, my sound was my own, and God used me in ministry. Comparing myself was silly and futile because God had a unique plan for making me as I am.
What I learned was to flourish in the specific gifts and talents God has given me and allow Him to use me however He chooses for His glory. When I put the focus on myself and give in to comparison and jealousy, I certainly will be lost in the shadows and become ineffective. However, when I surrender all to God and allow His will to be done in my life, I find life’s sweet spot. That is where God brings out our very best, and He can do tremendous things through us.
You may be wondering how this relates to David and Saul, but similar feelings, such as comparison, pride, jealousy, and feeling lost in David’s shadow were at the root of Saul’s anger toward David. Saul did not handle these emotions well, and we can learn from his mistakes.
After David had defeated the giant, Goliath, and led Israel to a great victory that day, the people began singing the praises of David.
This was their song:
“Saul has killed his thousands,
and David his ten thousands!” 1 Samuel 18:7
Saul was king, and he had been the war hero in the land. Now, the people were recognizing David as the real hero, and suddenly, Saul feels overlooked and insignificant. He began comparing himself and coming up short, which led to jealousy, and then anger, and finally insane rage! His solution? Let’s kill the competition!
To complicate matters, the Spirit of God had left Saul because of his disobedience and disrespect. Now, he was being tormented by an evil spirit, and there was no rest or peace for his soul. While Saul is unaware, David is God’s chosen one to replace him as king. God’s Spirit was upon David, and he succeeded in everything he did.
In the palace, David continued his role as armor-bearer to King Saul, and he played his harp every day. One day, as David played, the evil spirit that was upon Saul caused him to break out into an insane and hysterical rage. His jealousy and anger were about to manifest in an attempt at David’s life.
Saul hurled his spear toward David, trying to pin him to the wall. David narrowly escaped twice. Saul then became afraid of David.
To get rid of him, Saul made David commander of 1000 men in hopes he would be killed in battle. However, this only solidified David’s status as hero to the people of Israel as he faithfully led his men into battle and won many victories.
When Saul’s daughter, Michal, had fallen in love with David, Saul saw another opportunity to attempt to have David killed by the enemy. For a bridal price, Saul demanded 100 Philistine foreskins. Yes, you read that right! Have you ever heard of such a gift to earn a king’s daughter for a bride? 100 foreskins!
David was not afraid of the challenge. As a matter of fact, he brought back 200 foreskins! Can you imagine them being giftwrapped specially for the king? Well, maybe they weren’t, but that is where my crazy imagination went!
When Saul realized that the Lord was with David and how much his daughter Michal loved him, Saul became even more afraid of him, and he remained David’s enemy for the rest of his life. 1 Samuel 18:28-19
From then on, David only became more and more famous, and God continued to give him victory against his enemies.
Saul’s behavior throughout this chapter demonstrates the foolishness and rotten ending of comparison and jealousy! No good ever comes out of it!
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30 NIV
Many lessons can be gleaned from this impactful story: Be the very best version of who God created you to be. Don’t try to be anyone else, and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Have faith, surrender your life to God, and obey Him fully in all things, and God will give you success in His way and His time! Have a heart after God’s heart, one that honors and worships Him; be faithful; have courage; and in your anger, do not sin.
God bless!
