It was actually many years between the time Samuel anointed David to be king of Israel and he actually took the throne. Although the process was long, it was Secure and God clearly established him as the leader of his people.

We are wise to patiently endure the ploys of men until God’s selected leaders are clearly established. HE rules over all.

PRAYER: Today as an election takes place, we put our supreme trust in You, O Lord.

READING: 2 Sam. 4-6

Unfortunately Saul’s death provided the platform for ongoing conflict between David and Saul’s followers. Abner, Saul’s general, had personal ambition which eventually led to his death. Regrettable casualties resulted from this power struggle.

Paul warned against “Biting and devouring one another” in his letter to the church at Galatia. (5;15)

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our self-serving natures which always bring casualties. Grace us to prefer one another.

READING: 1 Sam. 31;  2 Sam. 1-3

When David and his 600 men returned from their conquests , they found that their belongings, wives, and children had been kidnapped by the Amalekites. Faced with this crisis, he sought the Lord and received the instructions to pursue and recover all. What looked like an unfathomable disaster became another testimony of God’s miraculous keeping power.

When faced with crisis, we are wise to call upon His name.

PRAYER: Lord, You are our only recourse when faced with disastrous crises. We trust You like David did.

READING:  1 Sam. 27-30

In spite of Saul trying to kill David, he honored the office of King that Saul possessed. David knew that God would reward to each the fruit of their own conduct.

Difficult as it is sometimes, we honor the office of authority, trusting the Lord to deal out to leaders the just penalty or reward for their performance.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You hold the hearts of the kings in Your hand. We trust Your judgement.

READING: 1 Sam. 24-26

Fearing that he was losing his hold on the kingdom, Saul pursued David to thereby eliminate his rival. God protected David.

When you are a God ordained leader, He will protect you and support your leadership. You can lead in faith and confidence.

PRAYER: Father, we rest in Your hand of direction and protection.

READING: 1 Sam. 21-23

Because God’s hand was upon David, Saul became extremely jealous. He tried to kill David at every turn. These challenges to David’s life helped to make him stronger and more dependent upon the Lord’s direction and protection.

PRAYER: Lord, upon You will we lean. Lead us in paths of righteousness today.

READING: 1 Sam. 18-20

The Kingdom of Israel was ripped away from Saul at Samuel’s word, and given to one greater than Saul, David. Whereas Saul wanted credit, erecting monuments to himself, David wanted all credit to the Lord. Saul was disobedient when commanded to eradicate the Amalekites, but David exhibited obedience to his father by staying with the sheep when his brothers went to war.

David conducted his own devotions whereas Saul always relied on Samuel. David had a very close, personal relationship with God which cultivated his humble, obedient nature.

PRAYER: Lord, we want to display the humility and obedience of David. Work in us both to will and do of Your good pleasure.

READING: 1 Sam. 15-17

Saul’s leadership was one of missteps and spiritual unpredictability. Samuel reproved him for presumptive acts of religious observance and spiritual impulsiveness. His own son Jonathan declared, “My father has made trouble for the country.” Saul’s reliance on his own strength rather than the Lord’s was his downfall.

God raised up a young shepherd boy named David to lead Israel through his worshipful dependence upon God’s strength rather than his own.

PRAYER: Lord, we declare our total dependence upon You, Your Word, and the leading of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for the times we jump ahead of You by imposing our own will.

READING: 1 Sam. 13, 14