protection from the fiery darts-1 Samuel 18-19

Michal by Gustave Dore

It's so sad that Saul, once so righteous and favored of the Lord, could fall and become a murderer. He wasn't successful, but that doesn't change the fact that he plotted and planned David's demise. The next grand idea in Saul's plan occurred, when he offered to let David marry one of his daughters if David would fight the Philistines. Saul’s motivated "to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines"  1 Samuel 18:20–25.

Saul kept his word, when David returned triumphantly. But Saul still smoldered with hatred and "became David’s enemy continually." David however knowing the heart of his now Father in law, "behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul; so that his name was much set by." 1 Samuel 18:29-10 Too bad for Saul. The more he grew in sin, the wiser and more popular David became.

When Saul sought to kill David yet again, Saul's son Jonathan showed he was a true friend to both of them by talking Saul out of the whole thing 1 Samuel 19:1–7. Jonathan teaches us what it means to be a true friend. He worked to protect one friend and to bring out the best in another.

As far as Saul goes, Jonathan’s efforts to change his father's feelings toward David were futile. Saul's hatred ran deep and he continued to seek David’s life (1 Samuel 19:9–10). Michal was loving and loyal to her husband, David. She learned of her father's newest plot and helped David escape 1 Samuel 19:11–18.

How does Satan get a hold on our hearts and minds? Why do we choose to sit and stew over things or carry grudges for real or imagined wrongs? God was so good, when He gave us commands and instructions throughout the scriptures. In 1 Corinthians 13:5, He told us to be not easily provoked. Another command, we are to be slow to wrath is found in James 1:19. Another place we are entreated to forgive one another seventy times seven Matthew 18:22. While I can't say I'm perfect at any of these things, I do know that God gives commandments to His children, because He loves us.

Some have a wrong perception of God that He gives commandments to restrict us. That is a lie propagated by Satan. God knows what will bring us joy and gladness--His commands were given for this purpose alone. Even the ones about having no other god's before us--Did Baal's hunger for infant sacrifice make people happy? Do our current gods of materialism, constant entertainment, and deviant sexuality really make us happy? I would have to say, no. The only thing that has given me true happiness is forgiving others, letting go of grudges, keeping the Sabbath day holy, accepting my divine femininity, acknowledging God's hand in my life, and being honest with my fellow men. If we choose to follow God in faith that in itself offers us greater protection from the fiery darts of Satan Ephesians 6:16.