APRIL 1, 2 Samuel 1:11, 12

When Saul was king, he was a selfish king, and knowing David would take over the throne, he wanted to kill David. Cruel and unrelenting, Saul sent his forces to hunt David down. Now Saul was dead, should David not rejoice?

Although not perfect, David was not a jealous or bitter man. Although he knew Saul wanted his life, he never once wanted to repay evil for evil. Neither did he covet the kingdom. Why? He was able to find strength in God and through those difficult times, God led David to pen some of the most beautiful psalms which remain today for our encouragement.

How about you? Are you in a difficult situation? Do you at times feel jealous or bitter over people and events in your life? Do you think that God has sometimes been “unfair”? That perhaps others have been more blessed than you? Or perhaps God has allowed very tough times to befall you and your family? Learn to be a David. Even when his life was threatened, he trusted in God and refused to give up. Perhaps not many of us have had our lives threatened, but many of us have come across troubles and problems that seem too big to handle. What do we do then? As you start this month, start it right: never be jealous of others, or bitter about things. To be jealous of others is to be discontented with what God has given you. Should God want you to have that blessing, He will. And please do not be bitter. Bitterness harbours a spirit of unforgiveness and only hurts the bitter person most.

Commit to the Lord as David did, and He will give you the strength you need to overcome whatever difficulty you have.

Thought: Be neither jealous nor bitter.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me contentment. Teach me to accept Your will and even though I may be tempted to be jealous or bitter, help me to always trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.