Fasting Devotion 2026: Day 10

Fasting Devotional – Day Ten

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Title:  David Surrenders Revenge

Text:  1 Samuel 24; 26

Written by:  Jennifer Bogan

Thoughts:

In I Samuel 24, David is hiding from King Saul, who is trying to harm him. Saul unknowingly enters the cave where David and his men are hiding. David has the perfect chance to get revenge, but he refuses to hurt Saul. Instead, he secretly cuts off a piece of Saul’s robe to prove later that he spared his life. When Saul leaves, David shows the robe and explains that he chose not to harm him. Saul admits he was wrong and says David acted honorably. David chose integrity over revenge.

I Samuel 26, Saul goes back to chasing David. David sneaks into Saul’s camp while everyone is asleep. Saul’s spear and water jug are right next to him, another easy chance to end the conflict. David again refuses. He takes the items to prove he was there and leaves unharmed. From a distance, David confronts Saul peacefully. Saul admits his fault again, but his heart doesn’t truly change, showing that doing the right thing doesn’t repair the relationship.

In both chapters, David is repeatedly pursued by King Saul, who seeks to kill him out of jealousy and fear.  Two distinct moments where David has a perfect opportunity to kill his pursuer but declares, “May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.” (I Samuel 24:12).  David chooses to surrender the desire for control and revenge by trusting that God will right every wrong in his own way and timing.

Challenge:

I experienced the loss of a friendship that I valued and trusted.  What was once a source of encouragement, support, and joy ended in conflict, confusion, and lack of peace, which led to a complete severing of the friendship.  This action took me by surprise and caused a great deal of hurt, with many unanswered questions. There are wounds that come not from enemies, but from people we once trusted. Saul was not a stranger to David; He was David’s King and mentor.  Saul's unresolved fear and insecurity turned into pursuit and harm.  David did not deny the harm Saul caused.  He did not minimize the betrayal.  But he refused to let Saul’s brokenness turn him into someone he wasn’t. Surrendering revenge means trusting that God sees the truth of your situation.  You can trust God to handle justice without you having to force an outcome.  Choosing the high road protects your own heart from becoming hardened by bitterness or regret. You do not need to get even or have the last word to find peace.  This is a chance to ask yourself: Did I act in a way I can be proud of later?  Where might God be inviting me to release control and trust Him with justice?

Prayer:

Lord, I surrender my desire to retaliate, to prove, or to be understood at any cost.  Guard my heart from bitterness.  Teach me the strength of mercy and trust You with what I cannot fix.  Amen.