The Restrained Hand
“He said to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD's anointed.””
THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY
Saul was defenseless in the very cave where David was hiding. The most dangerous temptation sometimes arrives dressed as easy opportunity.
THE LORD FORBID
David does not rely only on his own willpower; he cries out to God to be guarded from temptation. Naming your weakness is the start of victory over it.
MY LORD
Even while unjustly hunted, David still calls Saul "my lord." Honor can survive even when the relationship itself is broken.
THE LORD'S ANOINTED
David respects Saul's office, not merely the man. Leaving God to deal with a position He Himself established requires patient faith.
THE EDGE OF THE ROBE
Instead of killing him, David only cuts off the edge of Saul's robe, and afterward his heart troubles him even for that. Even the smallest gesture against God's authority weighs on the conscience.
HOLD YOUR HAND BACK TODAY
Act: think of one person in authority you resent, and pray today asking God to restrain your words or actions against them.