by Kathy Knight
In 1 Samuel 19.8-24, we read that yet another war with the Philistines broke out and once again, David led the army to victory. What king doesn’t like to win against his enemies? The general who wins the war surely has job security. If I was the king, I’d want to make sure that general wanted to stay around and not look for a better offer. Saul didn’t seem to have thoughts like that. Keep David around? He was extremely jealous of David. Saul once again changed his mind and tried to kill David. Now, David was married to the king’s daughter, Michal. With her help, David escaped and fled to the prophet Samuel. Samuel was the prophet who anointed David to be the next king over Israel. Samuel was a type of mentor and David directly sought him out for help.
David was working for King Saul when Saul changed his mind and tried to kill David. While I don’t have a boss who is out to kill me, I do have a job where personal performance determines whether or not I keep my job. Unfortunately, the recent down- turn in our economy dictates what programs a school district keeps or terminates. My performing well may or may not help me keep my job. Many factors will be considered before the final decision is made next May. There are 6 other people in my school district who do what I do. So, while I’m not alone in this, honestly I am mostly concerned about what will happen to me. Like David, I turned to others to help me. First, I needed help to overcome my initial panic of possibly having no job in a few months. Then, I needed help to refocus my mind on what was truly important, the here and now. I took time to re-evaluate why I do what I do. Does God really want me to stop teaching? Should I apply for a regular teaching position? Was this a sign that I should retire? Or, was this a push from God telling me that I could be teaching better than I have been up to now? Also, like David, I sought out those who could help me with my particular needs. I asked many people to start praying for me. I asked one of my mentors and some other reading teachers to help me improve my performance. So, what does God want me to do? I’ve decided to ask that question every day as it pertains to the day ahead of me. I’m going to seek God’s plan for my day, every day. How about you? Are you facing the question of job security? Do you have a secure job coupled with doubts about your boss? Do you have a coworker who causes strife and you’re not sure what to do about it? Worry hasn’t helped me to face my uncertain future. How about you? My mentor and friends can only do so much to help me. What did David do? He went to Samuel, the closest person to God he knew. I am choosing to go to Jesus with my worries. Imagine what could happen with you, for you, if you went to Jesus and left your worries at the foot of the cross. It can be a scary undertaking. It means not being in charge of worry. Please seek Jesus’ help. You won’t be sorry.
Your fellow traveler,
Kathy