Short-lived Repentance

Verse of the Day: 1 Samuel 19:6, So Saul heeded the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As the LORD lives, he shall not be killed.”

After Jonathan’s courageous plea, on behalf of David, we see what appears to be genuine repentance on the part of Saul. Some believe that Saul only repented in order to trick David into drawing near to him, but as we read on, there seems to be a genuineness in Saul’s response to Jonathan’s reasoning (v. 4-5). However, note what happens once Saul chooses to change his way of thinking regarding David’s innocence. Not long after, an occasion arises that would put Saul right back where he was first tempted to feel insecure, and jealous of David’s accomplishments. Verse 8 tells us, “And there was war again; and David went out and fought with the Philistines, and struck them with a mighty blow, and they fled from him.” Although Saul did right by repenting of his misguided actions, he did not prepare himself for the next occasion when temptation would rear its ugly head. To add insult to injury, that annoying and provoking distressing spirit showed up to further instigate Saul to turn on David once again. This is where many of us fail to see why it is that we continually repeat the same sins over and over. We stumble, the Holy Spirit convicts, we feel remorse, repent, confess, but never take steps to prepare for the next time temptation comes our way. We neglect to put on the full armor of God provided for us in Ephesians 6, and when the enemy shows up, we cannot figure out how it was that we stumbled over the same sin AGAIN! The first thing we need to remember is that just because we repent and confess, does not mean that we are in the clear. We may have been restored by the LORD, as we know from 1 John 1:8-2:1, but we are not clear from the enemies’ attacks. As a matter of fact, the Word of God warns us in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” When we have victory over a particular sin, or sins, that is the time we need to be most vigilant. That is the time when we need to stay closest to the LORD, praying, reading, studying, and applying His Word (James 1:22-25). The Bible is very clear that our enemy is continually seeking to devour us. 1 Peter 5:8-9 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” Saul did not prepare himself for the next time David would go out and have a victory. After that victory, the distressing spirit came to visit and we find Saul in a position to easily make another attempt on David’s life, with a spear in his hand (v. 9). Far too often, we overcome a sinful situation, but then go right back to where we were when we were first tempted and fell. This also happened in the life of Lot. After God used Abraham to rescue him and his family, after they were captured and taken away, instead of fleeing Sodom, we find Lot comfortably back at that gates of Sodom (Genesis 19:1). This time it would cost Lot everything. Saul needed David more than he needed that spear. Yet, this began David’s 20 year run as a fugitive, and Saul lost the one person who God could use to bring him peace and tranquility whenever the distressing spirit showed up. How often do we give up God’s blessings because we refuse to turn away from our pet sin(s)? How often do we place ourselves in a position for the enemy to easily tempt us and cause us to sin against God, because our pride tells us we are okay, and our laziness keeps us from spending the kind of time we need to spend with God in prayer and in His Word? How often do we allow the distractions of life to pull us away from what should be first in our life, the LORD? All this makes us easier targets when the devils finally launch their attacks. We need to break this cycle of “short-lived” repentance, and get serious about the spiritual war that is being fought around us. We need not only to claim the victory we have in Jesus, we need to live it for the glory of God!

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).