Day 17: Hearts Knit Together

Opening Scripture

1 Samuel 18:1 After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

David was a simple shepherd not long before he fought Goliath. God had sent Samuel to anoint a new king, and David was the one chosen. Despite this anointing, Saul continued to reign as king for a time. David returned to shepherding his sheep while his brothers went off to war. It may have felt deflating to return to the fields after such a significant moment.

One day, David’s father sent him to check on his brothers at the battlefield. When David arrived, he encountered a giant and an entire Israelite army paralyzed by fear. No one was willing to fight Goliath. But this shepherd boy—fresh from being anointed as the future king and fueled by faith in God—dared to do something great. With nothing more than a shepherd’s sling, David struck the giant and killed him with a single stone.

Afterward, the current king, Saul, summoned David to speak with him. Scripture does not record the details of their conversation. Saul was likely astonished and may have asked how David found such courage when his strongest warriors did not. David would have spoken of his faith in God and of God’s faithfulness.

Jonathan was nearby and must have overheard the conversation. Whatever David said following his courageous act deeply moved Jonathan. From that moment, their hearts were knit together, and they became best friends.

Fellowship—and the kind of friends we attract—often follows the way we live our lives.

When we pursue God and the life He has for us with passion, God brings passionate people around us. When we are lukewarm, our friendships will be with the lukewarm. If we desire friendships and fellowship that elevate our lives, we must first live an elevated life with God.

The Examen

What does my current pursuit of God reveal about the kinds of relationships I am forming?

In what ways might God be inviting me to deepen my devotion so that my friendships reflect His heart?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Proverbs 22:24–25 24 Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, 25 or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, let me live not to please others, but to please You, so that my heart and life might attract real friends. Amen.