More Like Jesus

1 Samuel 18-31

The head of the Philistine giant hung in Jerusalem for all to see. Goliath had been slain by a little shepherd boy from Bethlehem. And now the whole kingdom was shouting his name—David! 

Each day appeared better than the one before. David was given a job for the king. He was brought in to live with the royal family. He was even promised the king’s daughter in marriage. But David’s popularity created a deep-seated jealousy in the heart of King Saul. This jealousy evolved into a murderous rage that caused David to retreat to the mountains of Ziph. 

Ziph means refining place and what better place for David to go? In the refining process, a smelter would heat ore to the point that it would become a liquid, burning off all the impurities. The process was complete when the smelter could look in the ore and see the reflection of his own face. Far too often we give the enemy credit for something God is doing. We rebuke what God is trying to use. “Lord, please take this away from me,” we pray. And yet God is using the situation to turn you into the person He desires you to be. 

The man who opposed David was God’s instrument to make him into the man He desired him to be. What “Saul” is in your life? Remember, God is using that person or circumstance so He can better see His face in you. 

Dear Lord, I put my trust in You, knowing you will work all things together for my good. Whether I walk in joy or pain, you are with me and are making me more like Jesus. Amen. 

Family Connection: King David started as a young shepherd boy that grew into a strong king. God helped David to grow strong through difficult times. As a family, talk about difficult times that you have gone through, and thank God for helping you to grow stronger in Him through them.