Saul and David were both anointed to be king, both appointed by God, both given the same spiritual touch, and both enabled with choice, but they handled this elevation completely different. Saul became self-inflated and chose to lean to the arm of flesh while David stood in humble awe of God and chose dependency on Him. Saul exemplified spiritual disconnect while David showcased real relationship with God.
1. Saul trusted in himself and in human efforts; David trusted in God.
2. Saul was led by emotions; David walked by faith.
3. Saul speculated the worst and attempted to control areas where he felt insecure. David expected the best and left outcomes up to God.
4. Saul needed validation from people. David did what he thought God wanted.
5. Saul manipulated people to get what he wanted. David took courageous action to benefit the greater good.
6. Saul was impatient and crossed forbidden spiritual lines. David waited patiently for God’s plan to unfold, serving and worshipping God with a glad heart while he waited.
7. Saul’s focus was personal gain-even at the expense of others. David preferred others at personal expense.
8. Saul tried to kill God’s anointed. David trusted God to elevate and to bring low.
9. Saul used people. David put himself at risk.
10. Saul sought ways to secure his reign. David trusted God’s timing and appointing to the throne.
11. Saul’s attitude created opportunity for spirits to torment his mind. David’s attitude kept his thoughts filled with praise.
12. Saul’s negative words were rants that prophesied doom and gloom. David’s words were declarations of God’s might and ability.
The results?
Saul’s reputation suffered. David found favor in the eyes of the people.
Saul was miserable. David had inner peace.
Saul was needy and insecure. David was confident.
Saul was constantly seeking people approval. David received accolades from God.
Saul was mentally unstable. David grew in wisdom.
Saul was constantly aware of his tenuous position as king. David had security regarding his future.
Saul’s life was fraught with destruction. David’s life garnered positive influencers, supporters, praises, and blessings.
Saul’s bitterness affected the lives of his children and posterity. David’s family multiplied, and he became the forefather of the Messiah.
So how does this translate in our lives? Just as a disease is often diagnosed by its symptoms, spiritual disconnect can be identified by its symptoms. Are our emotions ruling us? Are we seeking to control? Are we looking to people as our source of validation? Do we prefer ourselves before others? By contrast, if we are in right relationship with Jesus, we release control and trust God for affirmation, protection, provision, and elevation. We bear the fruit found in David’s life: courage, valor, wisdom, security, peace, praise, selflessness, promotion, stability, and favor. This life of being after-or pursuing-God’s heart results in our being after-or “down from” and “according to”-God’s heart (Acts 13:22). What a wonderful characterization; what a wonderful location.
Tip/Tidbit: Does your life contain symptoms of spiritual disconnect or fruit of relationship?
1. Saul trusted in himself and in human efforts; David trusted in God.
2. Saul was led by emotions; David walked by faith.
3. Saul speculated the worst and attempted to control areas where he felt insecure. David expected the best and left outcomes up to God.
4. Saul needed validation from people. David did what he thought God wanted.
5. Saul manipulated people to get what he wanted. David took courageous action to benefit the greater good.
6. Saul was impatient and crossed forbidden spiritual lines. David waited patiently for God’s plan to unfold, serving and worshipping God with a glad heart while he waited.
7. Saul’s focus was personal gain-even at the expense of others. David preferred others at personal expense.
8. Saul tried to kill God’s anointed. David trusted God to elevate and to bring low.
9. Saul used people. David put himself at risk.
10. Saul sought ways to secure his reign. David trusted God’s timing and appointing to the throne.
11. Saul’s attitude created opportunity for spirits to torment his mind. David’s attitude kept his thoughts filled with praise.
12. Saul’s negative words were rants that prophesied doom and gloom. David’s words were declarations of God’s might and ability.
The results?
Saul’s reputation suffered. David found favor in the eyes of the people.
Saul was miserable. David had inner peace.
Saul was needy and insecure. David was confident.
Saul was constantly seeking people approval. David received accolades from God.
Saul was mentally unstable. David grew in wisdom.
Saul was constantly aware of his tenuous position as king. David had security regarding his future.
Saul’s life was fraught with destruction. David’s life garnered positive influencers, supporters, praises, and blessings.
Saul’s bitterness affected the lives of his children and posterity. David’s family multiplied, and he became the forefather of the Messiah.
So how does this translate in our lives? Just as a disease is often diagnosed by its symptoms, spiritual disconnect can be identified by its symptoms. Are our emotions ruling us? Are we seeking to control? Are we looking to people as our source of validation? Do we prefer ourselves before others? By contrast, if we are in right relationship with Jesus, we release control and trust God for affirmation, protection, provision, and elevation. We bear the fruit found in David’s life: courage, valor, wisdom, security, peace, praise, selflessness, promotion, stability, and favor. This life of being after-or pursuing-God’s heart results in our being after-or “down from” and “according to”-God’s heart (Acts 13:22). What a wonderful characterization; what a wonderful location.
Tip/Tidbit: Does your life contain symptoms of spiritual disconnect or fruit of relationship?
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