David was now in serious trouble because his men were very bitter about losing their wives and children, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
Earl was a leader. This was evident at home, at work, in the community, and at church. If you wanted something done and someone to recruit followers, you got Earl. Grateful for the gifts God had given him, Earl found more significance at church than at work. However, beneath the smiling, confident exterior that Earl displayed in public, a dark anger lurked. The only people who saw it were those who experienced it—the members of his family. His wife and children lived in fear of Earl’s outbursts of rage. He lived in constant fear that one day the public would know the private Earl. Then a chain of events occurred that threatened to force Earl to expose his sins.
David faced a similar situation in 1 Samuel 30. His disobedience to God and his lying to Achish led to a disastrous chain of occurrences. His city was destroyed, his family and those of his men were presumed lost, and his own men wanted to kill him. Just as God had used Samuel, a witch, and Philistines to confront Saul, he was using circumstances to confront David. Saul had responded foolishly and became God’s enemy, but David responded wisely and found his strength in God. Therefore, God could help him.
When we open ourselves up to God, laying our secrets and sins before him, submitting to his loving correction, we are forced to decide whom we trust—ourselves or God. God, like a loving parent, disciplines us for our good. Our choices are to respond in faith or attempt to hide from God.
Earl, like David, chose wisely. He dealt with his sin, and as a result God helped him. The Lord helped break the power of Earl’s secret; God taught him how to handle shame and guilt; and he taught Earl to have complete trust in him. Earl learned that in God’s kingdom, no leader is as effective as a wounded leader.
—Paul Borden
Reflection
Are there areas in my life where the disparity between my public and private selves could prove destructive?
Prayer
Lord, as the psalmist said, “You have searched me and you know me.” And yet you still accept me! Help me to remember this bit of grace so that I might have the courage to live a life of integrity in which my private and public selves both live in your grace.
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out. But in the darkness, beauty is seen only if there is a light within.” —Anonymous
Leadership DevotionsCopyright © Tyndale House Publishers.Used by permission.
