ODJ: defended
December 3, 2011
David asked the Lord, “Should I go and attack them?” “Yes, go and save Keilah,” the Lord told him (v.2).
READ: 1 Samuel 23:1-14
The past several years have been a significant training ground in surrender. Confronted with the truth of God’s Word, my husband and I realised that much of the way we had been doing ministry previously did not reflect the call to discipleship which is so clear throughout all of Scripture. Our hearts on fire with passion and zeal, we put our ploughs to the soil in obedience. Today, eyes filled with the dust of breaking dry ground, we live by that same conviction for the things to which God has called us. Our experience, however, has not been without questions and tears.
Running from a man with deep insecurities, David knew no place that would guarantee safety. In a time fraught with danger, a seemingly innocent bystander became a menace to David’s life and to the well-being of those who aided him (1 Samuel 22:21-23). Yet no matter what others thought of him, David’s heart beat with a love for God’s people. When he heard of the distress of Keilah, David acted in obedience to God (23:5).
As we consider David’s victory, it’s ironic that the same people he saved would be willing to turn him over to Saul (v.12). Why would they agree to betray him? They knew the awful things Saul had done to the people of another town—Nob—when they had helped David (22:9-23), and they were afraid. David, however, maintained his belief that God had been and would always be his safety—the One who would guard and defend his life (23:16,18).
David knew the choices of man couldn’t deter the ultimate will of God. He placed his life in the secure knowledge that “the Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). David kept moving forward with his faith firmly anchored in the Rock of salvation. So should we. —Regina Franklin
How have you regretted helping someone because of the way that person later treated you? How does God’s sovereignty play a vital role in the way we should view our circumstances?
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