As we read the stories recorded for us in Scripture, we encounter people much like ourselves. They experience highs and lows, challenges, and many of the same emotions as we do, which means we can learn from their experiences.
In reading 1 Samuel 18-20, we find things are heating up for a king, his son, and the king’s replacement.
God has shown the prophet Samuel that David is to be the next king. While David is brought into King Saul’s services, Saul slowly fills with jealousy as David finds favor with the people.
Saul’s unbridled jealousy turns to envy and hatred. He could not accept that David could possibly be his replacement. And so, he begins plotting to get rid of David one way or another.
Saul’s son, Jonathon, strikes up a deep friendship with David, forging a covenant to care and be faithful to one another. He is torn between wanting to be both a loyal son, and a loyal friend to David.
Jonathan should have been the next king in line. However, he realizes God has selected David. He does not let this turn him against David. He remains faithful to the covenant of friendship the two had made. And truly Jonathan had the harder part in keeping the covenant.
As we look at father and son, we see a striking contrast in the way they each handle their emotions.
Both are facing the same reality – there will be a new king and it will be neither of them. Yet their responses are vastly different.
What are our reactions and responses when those around us are successful? When their achievements outshine our own?
God is faithful to His Word and to His people, as He takes covenant seriously. He will protect and honor His chosen ones, fulfilling His plans and purposes in their lives.
Jonathan’s humility and faithfulness are convicting. It shows that our response to God’s plans matters more than our position or expectations. God’s faithfulness really does shine through, even when people try to work against His purposes.
How will we react when
our expectations are not met?
Our reactions truly do matter.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”
(Proverbs 3:5, NASB)
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Planet Volumes on Unsplash
Jonathan is one of my heroes. May God help us react as graciously when someone else gets the place or position or favor or whatever that we wanted.
Our reactions do indeed matter Joanne & we need to be mindful of this.
Blessings, Jennifer
Oh may our responses reflect the character of Christ – gracious, discerning, kind, and appropriate.
Thanks for this (literal!) wake up call on this cold winter morning, friend. It’s good to be here again with y’all.
Joanne, such a provocative question, culture certainly leads us toward envy, but Christ’s kingdom invites us to an upside gown response. I like to view my responses as choosing the narrow way to life or choosing the broad way towards [soul] death.
A wonderful reminder, Joanne, that our response matters. And since our mouth speaks as an overflow from the heart, it is a reminder to tend to our hearts, so that our hearts, and then our words, are pure.
Trusting for grace to respond with humility and faithfulness to whatever circumstances come my way!
Jonathan is a real hero and example of faith and courage. I like your challenge to consider our own responses to situations that could be disappointing to our human nature but are part of God’s plan.
Good insight, Joanne. This story is a great example of how we choose to react to things that happen and when our expectations are not met.
I need to go back and read this book of the bible once again because, after reading your post, I think I will view it with a new lens and I hope that I will remember your words when I face an unexpected situation in life.
Joanne, Jonathan is such a good example of how to respond when we’re torn in two directions. I love the verse you chose for the end … the only way we can react to disappointment well is by trusting the Lord and NOT leaning on our own understanding.