Today's treasure: 1 Samuel 27:1
Read 1 Samuel 26
Read 1 Samuel 27-- The Philistines were one of the greatest foes of Israel. Why would David settle in their land? Who went with him?
In response to David's request, Achish gave him the town of Ziklag for his settlement. How long did David remain in Philistine territory?
What did Achish say to himself about David?
Why did David leave no one alive (v. 10)?
Fear, frustration, and exhaustion caused David to experience hopelessness, perhaps even depression and panic. The result was a literal case of overkill. You see a downward spiral of mood at the first verse of the chapter.
David was facing what seemed to be the inevitable. Death appeared imminent. He was convinced he would ultimately be destroyed by a madman. David knew firsthand that Saul was scared of them. He felt like giving up, but he couldn't because everyone had become an enemy in his eyes. Therefore, he fought everyone with a vengeance, with the exception of his two clear enemies: Saul and the philistines.
We have no way of knowing how God responded to his alliance with the Philistines. To be sure, God had an opinion. However, He kept the matter between Himself and David at the time, just as He does with us also at times.
Maybe if we look at the psalm scholars believe David penned at this time in his life and gain insight into the feelings he was experiencing. Read Psalm 10.
Why do you think David might have felt as if God was far away and hidden in times of trouble?
We can see what happens when we focus on our battles than on God? Our enemy appears bigger, we appear weaker and God appears smaller. Long term battle can cause vision impairment if eyes focus anywhere but up!
David's most obvious problem was he felt so powerless and out of control in one area that he wielded an inappropriate amount of power and control in another. We are also capable of responding destructively when we harbor similar feelings.
Many dreadful results can occur from unchecked feelings of powerlessness. We are wise to reemphasize that we can't just trust our feelings. We must entrust our feelings to God.
God knows our battles and He has gathered our tears and blotted our brows. Keep telling him when you're ready to give up or give in. Stay in His Word and keep claiming promises. We need not despair and must stand in God's Word when the battles get tough and we need to resist the temptation to panic.
Conclude by reading the following:
Galatians 6:9-10
1 Peter 4:19
Have a blessed day!
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