THE INSECURITY OF SIN
“When Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men that were with him, (now Saul abode in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah, having his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him).” I Samuel 22:6
Saul was the king of Israel, and no one can fault a national leader for having security around him. We see in our text that the king had “his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him.” The thing that makes this so interesting is when we consider who Saul was defending himself against. Saul was in pursuit of David. He was jealous of David and sought to kill him on a number of occasions, but David never lifted a hand against Saul. David had the opportunity to kill Saul if he desired, but he refused to stretch forth his hand against God’s anointed. Saul’s insecurity and fearfulness was not because he was in any real danger from David. David loved Saul and purposed to honor him. Rather, the emotional and spiritual turmoil and insecurity that Saul was in was caused by unresolved conflicts.
A conscience that is not clear will produce insecurity and fears. Saul was in bondage, confusion, and fear because his heart was not right with God and not right with David. Saul never got the victory over his jealousy of knowing David killed Goliath, and how the Israelites praised David for it. David could have been the best friend Saul ever had. When an evil spirit troubled Saul, David played his harp; the evil spirit left Saul. He was comforted. David was a loyal servant of Saul, yet Saul was tormented by his presence. Bitterness, unforgiveness, and envy can destroy a person. Saul thought his fears were justified. In his mind, he needed protection from David. His imagination had him convinced that David was dangerous.
That is the way the devil works. When we do not forgive people and love them, our minds can be blinded by bitterness. False imaginations paint an inaccurate picture in our minds. When we are not willing to accept the truth, the only thing left to believe is a lie. Jonathan tried to convince Saul that David was not his enemy, but Saul did not believe his appeal and only grew angry toward Jonathan. Is there help for a person in such a state? Absolutely! If people will humble themselves and clear their consciences, they can be free from the insecurity of sin.