DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Battles of the Heart
By Mary Alice McGinnis
If you were to take an inventory of what you desire the most in life, what would it be? What our hearts desire drives our actions.
Let’s quickly set the scene for today’s story.
1 Samuel 15 – the prophet Samuel tells King Saul that God has rejected him as king.
1 Samuel 16 – God sends Samuel to the house of Jesse and anoints a shepherd boy, David, as king. David is brought into Saul’s service to play music for him when Saul was tormented by an evil spirit.
1 Samuel 17 – David conquers the Philistine giant, Goliath.
In today’s reading, we pick up the unfolding story. After this young shepherd boy, David, boldly proclaims his confidence in God and strikes down Goliath with only a sling and a stone, he brings the head of Goliath to Saul.
Wouldn’t it seem logical that this is when David would storm into the throne room of Saul and declare, “God has anointed me as king. I am taking over the throne!”
Yet, humbly David takes a posture of service to Saul. His heart is not drawn to seeking power or prestige. Verse 5 says, “Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him high rank in the army.”
David does not even use his new position to gain a following and create an uprising. His focus was not gaining accolades or acceptance from Saul, the army, or the people. His heart was focused on serving the Lord Almighty, the God of heaven’s armies. (See 1 Samuel 17:45)
In contrast, Saul’s heart was drawn to his own glory, power and success. He lets jealousy drive. When he sees David gaining the praise of the people, his ego takes over. He remembers that Samuel had told him that God had rejected him as king. So, he tries to kill David.
Then there is this curious sentence, “But David eludes him twice.” Why did David not turn Saul’s spear back on him? Why did he come back a second time after being nearly speared?
It caused me to pause and ask myself,
“Today, where is my heart leading me?
What am I chasing after?
Am I being driven by self-seeking ego?
Or am I surrendered to serving the One and Only King, the Lord Almighty, the God of heaven’s armies?”
Jesus exemplified this same humble surrender to His Father. He perfectly obeyed and He took the way of the cross for us.
"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8
PRAYER
Lord Almighty, King of the Universe, thank You for being my transcendent King. Help me each day to surrender my ego, my pride, and agenda to You. Your ways are so much higher than my ways. I can trust in You through each battle I face. Jesus, You laid down Your life for me and have already gained the victory.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
MARY ALICE MCGINNIS
I began reading the Bible for the first time at the age of 14. When I read the book of Proverbs, I found this collection of practical wisdom both challenging and inspiring. Instead of the typical posters you might find on a teenager’s bedroom walls, my room was splashed with handmade posters - quotes from the book of Proverbs. The Proverbs unique way of expressing deep truths helped lay a foundation in my walk with God.
Mary Alice, My take away this day is, "What our hearts desire drives our actions." I am considering this and leaning into my hearts desire. What is it, if not fellowship with Jesus and writing for His glory. Well done, my friend, well done.
Your take on Gods word is a blessing as we Watch the sun rise at bootcamp. Needed words. Thank you and God bless you in the next chapter. xo
Another great devotional, Mary Alice. I will miss them.