RTW 2024

So, from that time on Saul kept a jealous eye on David.‍

1 Samuel 18:9

Yet the crowds did praise Saul. They did sing, “Saul has slain his thousands.” For Saul, it wasn’t enough to slay thousands as long as someone else was slaying ten thousands.

Now Saul’s mind is filled with suspicion towards David. He began to hear nearly everything David said with suspicious ears. He looked at David’s actions with suspicious eyes. His thoughts were twisted by suspicion. 

Who we keep our eye on determines our:

• Focus
  (1 Samuel 18:9)
• Reactions and responses
  (1 Samuel 18:11)
• Emotional well-being
  (Leads to fear and paranoia 1 Samuel 18:12 - fear is mentioned many times)
• Personal peace
  (1 Samuel 18:29)
• Prevents our inability to celebrate the success of others

"He gave way to that devilish vice of envy, which was henceforth as a fire in his bosom, as a worm continually gnawing upon his entrails…. He looked upon him with an evil eye: prying into all his actions, and making the worst of everything.” - John Trapp

Jealousy

1. resentment against a rival, a person enjoying success or advantage, etc., or against another's success or advantage itself. 
2. mental uneasiness from suspicion or fear of rivalry, unfaithfulness. 
3. vigilance in maintaining or guarding something. 

David teaches us that God’s past faithfulness to us is a source of strength.

The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!
1 Samuel 17:37a

Keep my eyes on the One that matters.