The Danger of Bitterness

1 Samuel 18: 1-30

King Saul had it all: God's anointing on him as ruler; the prophet Samuel to
guide him; the power and wealth of the kingdom of Israel; the applause of
the
people. Yet he died a bitter man. What steps led to his downfall?

. Anger. When Goliath was defeated, the crowds praised Saul as a killer of
thousands but David as a slayer of ten thousands. Instead of rejoicing that
God
had raised up someone to slay the giant, Saul grew angry at David for
receiving more praise than he did.

. Wrong Thinking. Saul's flaring temper affected his mind, and he became
suspicious of David's motives. He started thinking that, since the Lord was
with
David the young man would want to take over the kingdom right away.

. Fear. Saul's fear led to plotting against David and throwing spears at
him.

. Rejection. The king sent David away from his presence.

. Dread. Saul's fear grew stronger and more malignant with David's military
success and the people's growing love for him.

. Deceitful action. Twice the king tried to manipulate David by offering one
of his daughters in marriage. Both times he plotted to get David killed by
the Philistines, and each attempt failed. Saul's response was to become
David's enemy for the rest of his days. From then on, bitterness reigned.

Although the details of our lives differ from Saul's, the steps to
bitterness and ruin are the same. What unresolved anger do you allow to
fester? Whom
do you avoid because of ill will? Won't you confess your sin, turn to God,
and be set free?


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