King Saul vs King David

Two kings, Saul and David.  Both were called by God.  Both kings were anointed by prophet Samuel.  But during their reign, there was an important difference between them which effected their decisions, attitudes, actions and had a drastic effect in their final years.

Neither Saul nor David was perfect.  Both kings made poor decisions.  David even committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband to cover up his disgrace.  Saul made poor decisions.  He had outbursts of jealousy and tried to murder David several times.

Importance of God’s presence

One major difference between Saul and David was their dependence on God’s Presence.  The presence of God made a difference in how they reacted to life.  The Presence of God makes a difference in how you respond to corrections and repentance.  The Presence of God helps one to seek God when in need and to glorify Him for His mercies.

It was during Saul’s reign that the Ark of God was captured by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4.)  Saul did not go after the Ark of God.  He relied on his own efforts rather than seeking the presence of God.

When David became king, the first thing he did was go after the Ark of God (2 Samuel 6.)  Even getting the Ark back to the kingdom was difficult.  But when the Ark was entering the kingdom David danced before the Lord with all his might.

Effect of God’s presence

When David was confronted by God’s prophet concerning his sin over Bathsheba and Uriah,  he repented crying out to God for forgiveness ( 2 Samuel 12).  David said, “against You only have I sinned”  (Psalms 51).  Saul made excuses and lied to God’s prophet about his sin (1 Samuel 15).

Our pride and selfish desires can keep us away from the presence of God.  Without God’s presence, we will become more self-righteous and begin sliding down a slippery slope of darkness.  I will confess the presence of God is not always pleasant,  especially if the Holy Spirit is putting a spotlight on your sin.  However, if you repent you will find God’s grace and mercy flooding your heart.  Your life becomes aligned again with God’s covering and the blessings of Psalms 91 (last week’s blog).

David’s life had its ups and downs but he lived a long life full of God’s presence.  Saul, on the other hand, suffered from depression, rage, and emptiness.  Saul even sought the demonic presence of a witch for direction.  Saul died in battle lost from God.

How to keep God’s presence

The main difference between Saul and David…the desire for the Presence of God. Many days I pray over Psalms 51:10-11 

[10] Create in me a pure heart, O God, [I look over my actions of the previous day and confess if I had said or did something wrong. I ask God to forgive me and fix my heart]

and renew a steadfast spirit within me. [I ask God to restore a constant reliance on God. To keep my emotions in balance]

[11] Do not cast me from your presence [I must have God’s presence.  I must feel God and be able to talk with God.]

or take your Holy Spirit from me. [ I need the direction of the Holy Spirit in my life. I need to be able to hear His voice even if it is telling me I’m wrong.]

Moses said I will not leave your presence.  David said do not send me away from Your Presence.  Today in a troubled world YOU need His Presence. Seek it today and every day and you will find a continuous lightnside.