Today's Scripture
How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!
Today's Word
David served and showed great honor to King Saul, but Saul grew jealous of David’s popularity, tried to kill him, and then had his soldiers pursue David in the wilderness for years. Yet when Saul was killed in battle, David wept and wrote a beautiful funeral song for Saul and his friend Jonathan that is recorded in 2 Samuel 1. David called this man who made his life miserable and caused him heartache “beloved and gracious.” Can you imagine writing a song to honor your biggest enemy?
A key to David’s success is that he didn’t let the things that weren’t fair—the betrayal, the hurts, the injustices—get inside. He forgave Saul and turned his situations over to God. It’s not always easy to forgive, but it’s harder to deal with the poison of unforgiveness. It’s not easy to move forward after a disappointment, but it’s harder to stay stuck in anger. Let go of the bitterness, the regret, the remorse. Forgive and release the person who hurt you. You can’t keep that bottled up and reach your potential.
Prayer for Today
Father, thank You that You have forgiven me and cleansed away the poison of my own sins. Thank You that I can do the same with others and not allow the poison of unforgiveness to get or stay inside. I believe that You will heal my hurts and restore me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.