Running His Pace

Not long after Saul promises to stop chasing after David, some men come to him and tell him where David is living. Saul takes 3,000 men and sets up camp near the area, again seeking David's life. David sneaks into the camp at night, past a barricade of men assigned to protect the king and right up to where Saul is sleeping with his sword stuck in the ground next to him. The one man David took with him, Abishai, tells David this is his moment to seize and even offers to slay Saul for him. David again states that he will not take matters into his own hands against the Lord's annointed. Instead, he takes Saul's sword and water jug from near his head and leaves the camp. Is David like James Bond, or what? I mean, twice this guy has sneaked up to Saul unheard and unnoticed to take something right out from under him! He is a rock star! When he gets a safe distance from the camp he calls out to Saul and tells him what he has done. Saul again repents, promises not to pursue David again, and returns home. One thing David says to Saul, however, is very interesting. David states that the Lord rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness. I think we lean away from that kind of talk because it tends to sound like we can earn God's favor, but I don't think that is what it means. I think David is saying that a daily walk with God - trusting each moment in Him with faith - is rewarded through making choices that honor Him. If He created the world and set up all the principles that keep it in motion, surely there is a benefit to joining into the rhythm by staying in sync with its Creator. By running His pace, we align ourselves with His plans and purposes.