May 7

David had every reason to take Saul’s life — Saul had unjustly pursued him, threatened him, and made David a fugitive for years. Yet in 1 Samuel 26, David spared Saul once again, trusting that the Lord would judge and vindicate in His own way and time. David said, "The Lord will repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness" (1 Samuel 26:23). It was a clear picture of what it looks like to trust God when circumstances would suggest otherwise.

But in 1 Samuel 27, David’s confidence wavered. Out of fear, he fled to the Philistines for safety. Even David, a man after God’s own heart, had moments where fear overtook faith. Still, God’s plan for David did not fail — His grace remained steady even when David was unsteady.

In 1 Chronicles 8, we see the line of Benjamin, Saul’s tribe. Though Saul’s reign ended in failure, God continued to honor His covenant with Israel. God’s promises are never derailed by human weakness.

In Acts 18, Paul faced opposition and fear while preaching in Corinth. Yet the Lord spoke to him in a vision: "Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not be silent. For I am with you" (Acts 18:9–10). Paul stayed another year and a half, teaching the Word of God faithfully. Just like David, Paul needed to trust God’s presence and promises in the midst of fear.

Today, we are reminded that even faithful believers experience fear and moments of doubt. God calls us to trust His timing, wait for His justice, and continue the work He has set before us. His presence is our courage. His promises are our anchor.

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