October 22, 2021

In 1 Samuel 23:4 God tells David to “go down to Keilah for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand”. Not only did God promise this, but he fulfilled it and there were “heavy losses” on the Philistines side. But when Saul (who had already been trying to kill David, as you remember, Saul was jealous because the people gave David more credit for killing Philistines than Saul) heard that David would be in Keilah, he sent his army after David assuming David would be trapped there. But of course, God didn’t let that happen! David & about 600 men went to the hills of the desert of Ziph. (I love how the bible glosses over things like, It must be hard to hide 600 men!! I believe it just shows how miraculous everything God does truly is). Now, Saul’s son, Jonathan went to help David stay strong in the Lord in spite of all the things going on. Jonathan told David, “Do not be afraid, my father Saul will not lay a hand on you. YOU will be king over Israel and I will be second to you.” But Saul & his men were in hot pursuit of David. As they were closing in on him, Saul received word that the Philistines were raiding their land, so Saul took off to take care of that, leaving David safe again.
When you get a chance, read 1 Samuel 23. What I love is the dialog between God & David. What I see here is a man, who in spite of his flaws, pursued God, day & night. He tried to do what God wanted and because of David’s faithfulness, God protected him time and time again! This is only one small story in the life of David. Remember also that David failed. The reason I bring it up is because WE fail. We try to be faithful, but like David, we need to get up when we fall and ask for forgiveness and go on. God blesses that.
I know that I have felt at times that God was telling me to do something, (or not do something) that HE was talking to me, not in an audible voice, but in my spirit. BUT DAVID! David asked God questions and God answered immediately, and specifically. Does that make David special? Probably, God did say that David was a man after God’s own heart and also the apple of his eye. But God loves us too. Isn’t it time that WE pursue Him with the passion of David. I would love to be able to ask God if I should make this move or change jobs or whatever else is going on and have him speak directly & specifically to ME, “Stay” or “Go”. I know that I want to be a woman after God’s own heart. Is there really anything more important than a relationship with our savior?