Character Before A Crown

1 Samuel 18-24

Wednesday, March 25, 2026 l Jennifer McKibben

As we read chronologically, Saul is king, and David is rising. The people praise David for his victories—more than Saul—and jealousy begins to grow. The Lord’s Spirit has departed from Saul and rests upon David. Time and again, Saul attempts to kill him, yet God preserves David. Still, David refuses to rush ahead of God’s timing. He waits.

We see a similar pride in King Herod, who, threatened by the birth of Jesus, ordered the death of the male children in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16).

Pride. It can derail everything.

Most of us would never act as violently as Saul or Herod, but unchecked pride and jealousy quietly pull us away from God (Proverbs 16:18). Saul’s insecurity led him down a destructive path.

David, however, is described as a man after God’s own heart. He shows humility and patience, trusting the Lord’s plan and timing. The Psalms reveal a man who speaks honestly with God—unfiltered, emotional, real. David doesn’t try to sound perfect; he simply brings his heart before the Lord.

There’s a lesson there for me.

God has plans for each of us. Like David, we must choose humility over pride, patience over control, trust over fear. In every season, it serves us well to abide in Him and pray with earnest hearts. He already knows our struggles. He does not ignore our suffering. And He is faithful to work all things for good for those who call Him Lord.