This week’s devotions are based on Week 5 of David: Finding Peace in Jesus (WATCH HERE)
1 Samuel 24:8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. 9 He said to Saul, “Why do you listen when men say, ‘David is bent on harming you’? 10 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 See, my father, look at this piece of your robe in my hand! I cut off the corner of your robe but did not kill you. See that there is nothing in my hand to indicate that I am guilty of wrongdoing or rebellion. I have not wronged you, but you are hunting me down to take my life. 12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you. 13 As the old saying goes, ‘From evildoers come evil deeds,’ so my hand will not touch you.
14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”
David steps out of the cave and calls after Saul, the very man who is hunting him down. David has just spared Saul’s life. He had the opportunity to end the threat once and for all, yet he chose restraint. What follows is not a triumphal speech but a humble appeal rooted in trust in God. David models a surprising path to peace when facing an enemy: reverence for God, clarity of conscience, and surrender of justice to the Lord.
David begins by honoring Saul as “my lord the king.” Though Saul has acted unjustly, David refuses to let Saul’s behavior define his own heart. Peace begins here. It starts with choosing who we will be before God, regardless of how others treat us. David’s words echo later wisdom found in Romans 12:18, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. David does what depends on him. He refuses to retaliate.
David then appeals to truth. He explains that he did not raise his hand against Saul and even shows proof by holding up the corner of Saul’s robe. This is not self defense driven by pride but a clear conscience speaking calmly. There is deep peace in knowing that your integrity is intact. Proverbs 20:7 reminds us, “A righteous person walks in his integrity. How blessed are his children after him!” David’s peace is rooted in the knowledge that God sees the whole story.
Next, David entrusts judgment to God. He declares that the Lord will judge between him and Saul. David does not deny that wrong has been done, but he refuses to become the judge. This surrender is crucial for peace. When we cling to the need for vindication, our hearts stay restless. Psalm 37:7 urges us, “Be silent before the Lord. Wait patiently for him. Do not fret when an evil man succeeds in his ways, when he carries out his wicked schemes.” David’s stillness is not weakness. It is faith.
Finally, David recognizes his own smallness. He compares himself to a dead dog and a flea. Rather than exaggerating his importance or defending his reputation, he humbles himself before God. Peace grows when pride shrinks. “God opposes the proud, but he gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
Facing our enemies is tough. Many temptations want us to add to the sin of our enemies by sinning back. But, like David, we may not be able to change the intentions of our enemies, but we can choose our posture. Peace is found not in controlling outcomes but in trusting God with them.
Reflect: Where am I tempted to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God to judge justly? How might choosing humility and integrity change the way I face conflict right now?
Prayer: Lord, You see every injustice and every hidden motive. Teach me to walk in integrity and humility even when I am wronged. Help me release my desire for revenge and trust You as my defender and judge. Guard my heart with Your peace and shape my responses to reflect Your grace. I choose to wait on You. Amen.