The Source of Success
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
As David met his opponents with courage, he always remembered the source of his strength: "Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: 'I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have exalted a young man from among the people. I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. ... I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries. ... He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior'" (Psalm 89:19-21, 23, 26).
David did not take God's aid for granted or allow his successes to turn into arrogance. He remained humble and acknowledged that true victory comes only from the hand of God.
In contrast, Saul's heart was completely self-focused. His dreams and hopes and will were not aligned with God's will. So when Saul witnessed David's growing popularity after the Philistine defeat, Saul became consumed with jealousy.
"As [the Israelites] danced, they sang: 'Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.' Saul was very angry; this refrain galled him. 'They have credited David with tens of thousands,' he thought, 'but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom?' And from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David" (1 Samuel 18:7-9).
Saul did not praise God for bringing victory through David. Instead, his only thought was how this young man was stealing Saul's personal glory and fame. Instead of feeling gratitude toward David, Saul saw him as a threat to his own power.
When you face triumphs in life, are you quick to give God the glory? When you face an insurmountable foe, do you remember that God is the source of your strength?
Prayer: Father, help me to always recognize that any success I have is from You. Thank You for being the source of my strength. Amen.
"But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you (1 Samuel 12:24).
