Day 7

SAFE IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY!

"Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help." Psalm 22:11

First Samuel chapter 27 is almost heart-rending after all we have seen of David, his struggles and his growth towards readiness for kingship. But every man reaches a point when he can take no more and in verse 1 we see that David was there. If only he had held on firmly to God's promises for his future and sought help from Him. But instead he fled, swapping faith in God's preserving power (Psalm 16) for his own idea of safety (1 Sam. 27:1). And his integrity was tarnished by living a double life full of intrigue involving plunder and slaughter (v5-12).

Eventually, inevitably, having pretended to give dedicated service to his Philistine lord David found himself obliged to go to war with his new friends against Israel (1 Sam. 29:1,2). What a disaster! How could he get out of this situation?

Again God intervened this time through the other Philistine commanders who would not trust David. Despite Achish's reassurances they knew David's reputation too well to want him with them in battle (1 Sam. 29:3-5). What must David's feelings have been as he took his leave from them with pretended reluctance (v8)?

It is amazing how, after the lessons on chapter 25, David could have fallen into such a trap.

Why did God not reject David at this point as he had earlier rejected Saul?

In some ways David's experience is like that of the prodigal son in Luke 15. Can we learn any lessons from these stories about God's attitude to us today?

Father, when I am overwhelmed hold me up and teach me to cling to you, to feel your strength and trust your love.