Anointed: A Study in 1 SamuelSample

What does it say?

David helped free the people of Keilah from the Philistines. After fleeing from Saul, David met with Jonathan and was encouraged.

What does it mean?

During his ten years on the run, it would have been easy for David to focus solely on himself and his own troubles. But David continued to see the needs of others, even as he was fleeing for his life from Saul. As David sought God’s direction, he was guided to fight the Philistines on behalf of the people of Keilah, briefly taking the focus off his own challenges. In turn, God provided strength and encouragement through his friend, Jonathan.

How should I respond?

It can be difficult to see what someone else is dealing with when faced with your own troubles. Our minds naturally gravitate to self-interests and concerns. Christ, however, calls us to actively attend to the needs of others. This shift in focus has the benefit of building up someone else, while helping us avoid becoming self-centered. How is God developing your character and faith in life’s current challenges? Who can benefit from those emerging strengths? Be mindful of those God brings across your path today; the encounter may encourage them and jolt you out of self-pity.