I have said already that the first book of Samuel is a book of contrasts. Here in chapter 24 we see the principal contrast, that between David and Saul, at its starkest. Saul is seizing at control and power, taking every opportunity to engineer things in his favour by force. In this context we find David with a clear and easy opportunity to do the same. He has the opportunity to kill Saul and thus end his exile and take the throne. One stroke of his weapon would deliver him from hardship and set him on course for the throne of Israel. But he refuses to do this. He will not take control of his situation. Rather, he chooses to do the right thing and entrusts his fate to God. So often we try to force situations in our favour and our focus on this often turns us away from God. It is God’s prerogative to govern our lives. When we try to take control of situations rather than just doing the right thing and trusting God, we forfeit so much. To do this is to turn off the path that God has laid out for us. In this way we lose the assurance that comes from walking with God, the assurance that God is directing everything for our good. Always do the right thing and trust God with the rest. It is a message I come back to again and again since it is, I believe, one of the most fundamental principles of life.
What is the right thing to do in your situation? Determine to do this and entrust your ways to God.
Read 1 Samuel 24
