“And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.” (1 Samuel 27:1)
We have eyes that can look at our past, present or future. All things are subject to interpretation. We can think soberly or wildly. David looked at his situation, saw a crazed king running after him, and came to the conclusion, “I WILL die one day by the hand of Saul.” Was this the truth? Was it what God was telling Him? We read, “David said in his heart,” not, “God spoke to David.” His decision, based upon the “seeing of his eyes,” led him down the road toward the Philistines, and potentially disastrous consequences that God mercifully spared him from.
There is knowledge that is beneficial to us in making wise decisions. Knowledge that indeed comes from God is good. But we are better off without “knowledge” that is based on our own interpretation of things, because it can move our feet in presumptuous haste down a wrong path. “Also,that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.” (Proverbs 19:2)
What we allow to be the meditation of our heart can easily disquiet our soul and drive us down a path of folly. Intemperance of speech and action begins with intemperate thinking. David considered his predicament and concluded, “I should speedily escape.” What David failed to have at this moment of his life was a quiet spirit.
God values a meek and quiet spirit. We must recognize its great importance as well. How can you keep a quiet spirit? Be careful of speculating on what the future holds for you. Don’t boast yourself of tomorrow. Don’t predict things good or bad. Commit your life into God’s hands. Confess that Jesus is your Lord. Believe that He is in charge of your circumstances, even when you can’t control or change them.
Jesus warned us to take no thought for tomorrow and to focus our mental energies on today’s responsibilities. He told us that we cannot add one inch to our stature by obsessing over it. Don’t be careful and troubled over many things, (despite the many things that clamor for your attention.) Do the one thing needful: live today at the feet and under the control of your Lord. If you do, He will give you a peace that passes all understanding. And the possession of a quiet spirit will lend itself to a meekness where He can lead you into His paths of righteousness.