April 14, 2017. 1Samuel 21-24

The Unpleasable People in Life

When it comes to some people, “You can never please, them.”  We have all experienced the truth of that statement.  That is the situation David finds himself in when it comes to king Saul.  He is dealing with a man who has no conscious.  A man who will kill the innocent priests of the Lord.  A man who is relentless in trying to destroy him.  That much is pretty obvious.  Not as obvious are three things to help us when we have that person, who we can never please, who continues to relentlessly barge into our life.

Number 1

23:14b Saul sought him (David) every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand.

It is seen, sometimes, as cliché, but it is a profound truth we need to remind ourselves of in all situations and especially those that seem quite bad – God is in control. While David continues to flee, while the priests in Nob end up killed at the hands of Saul – God is still in control.  Not one instance in our life, good or bad, catches Him by surprise.

Number 2

23:16 Then Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the woods and strengthened his hand in God.

David had about 600 men with him, but the one who comes to strengthen his hand in God is Saul’s son, Jonathan.  Look to see that person who is there with an arm around you, crying with you, listening to you and then focusing you past the relentless person, to God.  There will be many who will “take your side,” but the one who will benefit you the most is that person who strengthens your hand in God.

Number 3

24:17 Then he (Saul) said to David: "You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.

When it appeared that the Lord had opened the door for David to walk through to solve his problem, delivering his enemy Saul into his hands, David did what was righteous.  In Saul’s words, “you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil.” 

Now you may not be alone in a cave with that relentless individual, with the opportunity to kill them, but Jesus has given us clear actions you can take.  Righteous actions that will reward that person with good, whereas they have rewarded you with evil.

Matthew 5:44 “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”

Love: Be sacrificially beneficial

Bless: Make them happy (or at least try)

Do good: Get them a gift card to their favorite restaurant

Pray: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” (Acts 7:60)

See the not so obvious:

• See God’s control
• See that friend who is strengthening you
• See how you can behave righteously