Day 6

1 Samuel 18:2, 5

From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.

5 Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.

The aftermath of killing a giant was huge in David’s life. The whole things was a game changer. David became a general in Saul’s army, loved by his troops, and by the people. His name grew in popularity and renown. But, what changed the most for David were his relationships.

In the aftermath of his battle against Goliath, Saul kept David with him permanently. He was unable to return to his aging father and continuing caring for their flocks. David’s relationship changed with Saul. David once had a part-time gig as a musician for Saul, now he entered into a fully submissive relationship with his king. He went where his king told him, when his king told him, and many times without advanced warning or explanation.

It’s challenging to find yourself in a submissive spot. We are conditioned to believe that being submissive is a sign of weakness and a sign of less worth. We think of submissive relationship as bad and that we should do everything in our power to climb out of them. Yet, David did no such thing. Instead, he embraced his role under King Saul, and in return David prospered. He won battles, grew in power and influence, married one of Saul’s daughters.

When we see submission as weakness, it can harm one of the most important relationships we have in our lives, the one we have with God. God calls us into submission. Not to remind us that we are weak or inferior, but rather so that He can care and guide us. We don’t know what tomorrow brings, or where we will go next. But God does. He doesn’t reveal the future to us. Why? Because He wants us to focus on today and not worry about the next. Take one day at a time and trust in the one who Lord of all things.

As you start your week, take some time in prayer to submit yourself, your life and relationship, your work and schedules all over to God. It’s a great practice in trusting in the Lord and relinquishing self-autonomy for the sake of growing in Christ.