Not everyone is going to like you. No matter what you do, it won’t change. Moving beyond that is the key to overcoming opposition. Learning to look above the fray and focus on what is essential will give you peace of mind. Don’t let what others think of you affect how you live. Be an overcomer.
1 Samuel 19:8-10
And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great blow, so that they fled before him. Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre. And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.
What Did I Do?
Sometimes you are going to have people oppose you even though you haven’t done anything to them. This is one of the most challenging issues we will face. David slew Goliath, was successful in battle, and played the harp to soothe Saul’s inner demons and still, Saul couldn’t stand him. Saul benefitted greatly from what David did for him, but the jealousy in Saul’s heart was higher than anything else. It got to the point where Saul took up the hobby of slinging spears at David. David did what any smart person would; he fled the scene.
State of Mind
Some people you are never going to make happy. Some people you are never going to resolve things with. No matter what you do to reach out and love them, they will reject you. On top of that people will sling pithy quotes at you which will only make you feel more guilty. The best thing to do is to take a cue from David. He removed himself from the situation and avoided further contact with Saul. He sought the counsel of Jonathan, Saul’s son, who confirmed Saul’s hatred. Most all though David was able to overcome the opposition of Saul by refusing to attack him. David still called Saul God’s anointed when he spoke of him. He refused to take revenge on Saul even though he had ample opportunity. When Saul finally met his demise David didn’t gloat or even breathe a sigh of relief, he mourned for him. Overcoming opposition is often more a state of mind than anything else. Rise above the drama and keep your mind clear by following David’s example.