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RESPONDING TO SONGS OF EMOTION (1 SAMUEL 18:1-9)

REFLECTION
Responding to songs of emotion. Songs of emotion are songs borne out of a strong feeling, one’s circumstances or mood. We shall reflect on the fact that we must demonstrate spiritual maturity and restraint so that we do not respond negatively or unfavourably to events that offends.

Dear friend, let us demonstrate spiritual maturity and composure even when we are displeased with events of life. King Saul became envious and bitter towards David because the women of Israel, out of joy and appreciation for David, sang a song of victory in honour of David when he defeated Goliath. The women of Israel expressed their joyful emotions when they “… came out from all the towns of Israel to meet King Saul with singing and dancing, with joyful songs and with timbrels and lyres. ⁷ As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” (1 Samuel 18:6-7). Indeed, aside from the song being an expression of a joyful emotions and appreciation to David, it was also a fact that the battle against the Philistines was warn by David. Again, by inference, we could conclude that it was factual that “Saul had slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousand” because 1 Samuel 18:5 tells us that “Whatever mission Saul sent him on, David was so successful that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the troops, and Saul’s officers as well.”

It is important to note that, although David might have slain ten thousand more than Saul, David remained the servant of King Saul therefore the victory songs of the women giving credit to David in midst of King Saul was disrespectful, disdainful and inappropriate at that material moment. Saul was ultimately responsible for both the victory and failure of the army of Israel. Again, without Saul allowing David to join the army, it would be impossible for David to fight in the army and become successful and important to the nation Israel. In essence, King Saul deserved credit for his tactful leadership as the King of Israel in recruiting David into the army. This does not mean that David should not be commended. David’s public commendation must not discredit or overshadow the visibility of King Saul as the one in charge. No wonder Kings Saul out of bitterness and hatred, immediately responded to the victory song that was borne out of emotions and sang in favour of David. “Saul was very angry; this refrain displeased him greatly. “They have credited David with tens of thousands,” he thought, “but me with only thousands. What more can he get but the kingdom? ” ⁹ And from that time on Saul kept a close eye on David. (1 Samuel 18:8-9). It instructive to note that David had not said or done anything directly or indirectly to offend King Saul yet from that day forward, King Saul became bitter and developed hatred for him because of the victory song sang in his honour.

Beloved in the Lord, the songs of joy and victory sung by the women in honour of David made King Saul insecure and envious of the achievements of David. We must guard against insecurity and envy when the achievements of others are being acknowledged. Insecurity and envy breeds bitterness. Harbouring or nursing bitterness leads to unfounded hatred and hostility. This is what happened to Cain when he killed Abel, “The LORD looked with favour on Abel and his offering, ⁵ but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (Genesis 4:4-5) In the case of Joseph and his dreams, “His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. (Genesis 37:8) Beloved in the Lord, what is your responds as a believer or a disciple of Christ when others are being praised, honoured and acknowledged for their achievement. Again, what is your response or attitude towards a person who is blessed with talents and qualities that you do not have and for that matter you are not at the center of affairs or in the limelight? It important to understand that our business in this world is not to indulge in unhealthy competition with one another but serve God to the best of our ability and render account that is pleasing to Him. This is the lesson of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14–30. Our purpose in life is to serve God to the best of our ability and as good stewards, we must be ready to render account. We have no business entertaining insecurity, bitterness, envy and hatred against others who are being praised or acknowledged for their effort, hard work and achievement.

Beloved in the Lord, although we are greatly motivated by the acknowledgment of our efforts, it is also important to know even if we are not acknowledged, given the needed recognition and honour, Jesus has taught us, “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” (Luke 17:10). God is the lifter of the men and women who serve him faithfully. You may be losing hope at your workplace, in your family, society and church because you feel your efforts and selfless contributions are not being recognised. Do not be frustrated or depressed, It is a matter of God’s perfect timing, for we are greatly assured in Isaiah 40: 30-31 “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; ³¹ but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30-31) Again, we are greatly admonished to “Humble ourselves before the Lord, and he will lift us up. (James 4:10). Our time of elevation will come even if our hard work or efforts are not being acknowledged or appreciated today because “… we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

In summary, we have learnt that as believers we must demonstrate spiritual maturity and restraint so that we do not respond negatively or unfavourably to events that offends. This event may be a speech or songs of emotions sang publicly to discredit us or to elevate others above us.

PRAYER
Holy Spirit strengthen us to overcome bitterness, enviness and hatred for people who are excell by your grace and mercy. Grant us divine wisdom and understanding to appreciate our roles in church and society. May we learn to share in the success and elevation of other people even as we patiently and graciously await your turn.