I think it would be fair to say that most of us deal with insecurity in at least to some degree. Insecurities often crop up in our teenage years as we go through all the changes that take us from childhood to adulthood – often at a different pace than our closest friends experience it. Whether it’s a voice cracking, tripping over one’s own feet, or the appearance of the dreaded acne… it’s a tough time for many among us. The truth is, though, that most of us grow out of it within a few years and settle into adulthood with a better sense of ourselves.

It would seem that King Saul was never really able to move past his own insecurities. In our readings this week, we’ll hear how Saul gets impatient waiting for Samuel to show up and feels threatened by David who for his part harbours no ill will towards Saul. In the end, it’s Saul’s insecurities alongside his unwillingness to take responsibility for his sins which will lead to his downfall.

This insecurity will be contrasted with the courage and honour we see in David. David demonstrates these not only in taking on Goliath (1 Samuel 17), but throughout his time as a military commander under Saul… and most especially in the ways that, in spite of Saul’s efforts to kill him, he never ceases to respect his king. It’s quite the contrast when you look at young David and compare him to Saul in all his insecurities.

With that in mind, here are the readings for this week: