Devotional - May 15, 2004

No one was more surprised at David's decision to face Goliath than Saul. As David explained the source of his faith to Saul, the king must have felt guilty for not having similar faith. But when David's faith took him within striking distance of the Philistine giant, I don't think Saul wanted that much faith.

Confidence is something that everyone wants, but few have. David had it, Saul didn't. David was willing to place his life on the line for it, Saul wasn't. Confidence took David places he could have never gone on his own, but Saul's lack of confidence kept God from using him to get the victory.

I look forward each morning to preparing this daily devotion. I realize the yearly plan to read the entire Bible is not topical, but linear. That is, the portions of the Old and New Testament, Psalm and Proverbs are not linked to a certain subject, but rather start at the front and proceed to the back, evenly dividing the content. However, after reading the Old Testament portion, I am not surprised to find supporting content in other areas of selected Scripture. Today is no exception.

Jesus finished a conversation with the Pharisees by telling them, "The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." (John 8:29) I think David could have said that very same thing to Saul, don't you?

I ask you today to consider how much confidence you have. Are you living in fear, working with all the energy you possess or looking at every circumstance as another occasion to please God with your faith?

Confidence comes from spending time with God and that comes through prayer. If you don't spend any, you won't have any. It also comes by realizing you were commissioned by God and can turn any situation into something pleasing to God. Never fearful, always trusting; never timid, always bold. You can approach any situation with awareness that God is standing by your side.

How confident are you? You can get some right now if you stop what you're doing and spend time with God in prayer. Thank Him for what He's done, is doing and will do through the Name of Jesus Christ who promised never to leave you or forsake you. The real question however is, "Have you left and forsaken Him?"

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( 1Sa. 17:1-18:4a Jn. 8:21-31 Ps. 111:1-10 Pr. 15:11 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society