I Samuel 23

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I Samuel 23:15-17, While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

David is clearly afraid.  He is being hunted and he knows it.  But his faith is also strong.  He is relying on God’s protection, trusting in God to provide for him and literally direct his steps.  Yet, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t feeling fearful.  He was human.  At just the right time, God sent Jonathan to visit with David and reassure him.  Yes, God has a purpose for David.  No, Saul would not be successful.  Jonathan, now fully aware of the evil possessing his father, is confident that God will bring about a new thing through David. 

Be sure to read the whole chapter.  After David’s visit with Jonathan, the Ziphites (from Ziph, a town in Judah), went to Saul to report that David was hiding in their territory.  They were being cunning and probably thought they would be rewarded in some way by the king for their betrayal of David.  Read through Psalm 54, which David wrote when he found out about this situation with the Ziphites, and get a picture of David’s desperation and dependence on God.

Let’s pray…Jesus, We are so grateful that no matter what’s going on in our lives, we can pour our hearts out to you, you hear our cries, and you direct our paths.  Help us always remember who and whose we are.  We trust you and love you.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.