1 Samuel 23:2 [David] inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The LORD answered him….
David’s faithful obedience and the Lord’s steadfast love astound me in this section. Saul, the king Israel clamored for, isn’t doing his job. Instead of protecting the people, he’s laser-focused on eliminating David. So God sends David to protect the people of Keilah. Saul gets wind of it and makes plans to go—not to protect his people, but to kill David. Again, David goes to the Lord seeking guidance, and again he receives guidance and direction from God. Even when the Ziphites go to Saul and volunteer information on David’s whereabouts, David goes to God: “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4).
1 Samuel 23:4 Once again David inquired of the LORD, and the LORD answered him….
David helps me put my problems in perspective. I’m incredibly thankful no one, especially not a crazed monarch, is after me, trying to kill me. I’m thankful I’m not being asked to do the job of that crazed king by protecting his people. But I am asking myself: What IS God calling me to do? Who IS God calling me to protect and defend? How CAN I be most faithful to God in my roles as Christian, wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher? “Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me” (Psalm 54:4).
1 Samuel 23:14 …Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.
Lord, Thank You for this day, this scripture, David’s example. There are so many unknowns in so many areas of my life right now, Lord. Help me to seek You and Your will every moment of every day. Help me to cling to You and to understand what You are calling me to do in Your name. Draw me closer. Amen.
1 Samuel 23:26 Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul….
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.