Not Mine, But the Lord's

Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said,
"They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands.
Now what more can he have but the kingdom?"
- 1 Samuel 18:8 -

Saul did not like David receiving more praise than he.  He wanted his kingdom for himself, and was loath to give it up.  He forgot that his kingdom was given to him by the Lord, and not of himself.  And he forgot that the kingdom was given to him to care for, not to possess.  He was to be a steward, not the owner, and the Owner could do whatever he wanted with his gift and give it to whoever he pleases. We often hold many things dear: Possessions, comfortable lifestyles, hobbies, relationships, money, time, etc.  We often forget that we are merely stewards of these gifts.  The owner is the Lord, and if he tells us to use any of his gifts in a certain way, or even to surrender them, we are simply to trust him and obey, and let him take control.  God's use of his gifts are always better than our personal use of them, and the fruit is always sweeter. Corrie ten Boom said something like this once: "I have learnt to hold all things loosely in my hand so that when the Lord wants to take them away, it will not hurt if he has to pry my fingers open." "For the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains (1 Cor 10:26)."