Help Someone Along Life’s Journey

Devotional: Help Someone Along Life’s Journey

Scripture: “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre” (1 Samuel 16:18)

Today’s Reading – 1 Samuel 16:14-23

Illustration:

Award winning songstress Gloria Estefan has often spoken about the challenges she faced as a foreign student in her early school life, mainly due to her inability to communicate in English. 

Gloria however received assistance in her English language skills and was given confidence to persevere by her year one teacher, Dorothy Collins. She eventually won the class reading prize and went on to study languages at University. 

Showing respect for her teacher, Gloria once said, “My year one teacher didn’t just teach me the language; she helped me find my voice”.

Scripture Lesson to Help Someone:

In today’s passage, we read how King Saul was being tormented by an evil spirit. He was therefore searching for a skilled musician to help soothe his emotions whenever the spirit oppressed him (1 Samuel 16:14-17). In this scenario, David received a gracious recommendation through an unnamed servant who highlighted his musical talent, courage, oratory skills and faith to Saul (V.18).

This recommendation opened the door for David to enter the royal palace and learn the protocols that would prepare him for his God-ordained future rule. It also enabled him to bring relief to Saul through his music, and to receive combat training as an armor bearer (V. 19-23).

Similarly, In these trying times around us, could we too look for opportunities to help others find their way through the losses and challenges they are facing? 1 Thessalonians 5:15 says, “…always strive to do what is good for each other…”.

Reflection – Would you be willing to help someone through life’s challenges today? Who would that person be? Think of one way you could do this?

Prayer – Lord, give me the grace to reach out to someone that is hurting and needs help today. May Your love shine through me to make a difference in that person’s life. 

For another inspiring sermon with similar thoughts titled Beautiful Acts for God click here.

For an article titled 5 Prayer Pointers From Nehemiah, click here.