David the man after God’s heart had to spend long years running from his enemies. The first person to chase him was king Saul. Envy made the king hunt for David who took to his heels on realizing the impending danger.

➿ Samuel ➿
David first went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him (1Sam 19:18). Perhaps Samuel might have prayed for his protection as he was the one to anoint him as king. David ran to the right person to share his perilous situation. Whom do we run to during our times of distress?

🔛 Jonathan 🔛
David next went to Jonathan his friend to share his heartaches. Jonathan helped him to clarify and verify the situation (1Sam 20). After confirming the seriousness of the issue, David continued his run for escape. Do we have true friends who can help us in our hardships? Are we a friend in need?

♾️ Ahimelech ♾️
David then went to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest (1 Sam 21:1). But he did not explain the genuine tight spot. But got food to eat and a weapon for protection and left him. Later innocent Ahimelech and his family was massacred for helping David. Let us be cautious lest we land someone else in trouble.

👁️‍🗨️ Achish 👁️‍🗨️
Next David went to Achish king of Gath. Perhaps he went there for asylum. But the king’s servants recited the song of the women that landed David in trouble. So as a self defense David acted as if he was mad. And he was dismissed from the king’s presence and his life was spared.

©️ Cave of Adullam ©️
His family came to meet him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him and he became their leader (1 Sam 22:2). His first army were a troop of stressed out people. This was the starting point of his own army. Through the distress God was building him. God uses hardships to work in us so that we can work for Him.

➿ King of Moab ➿
David next went to Mizpah in Moab and entrusted his parents to the care of the king of Moab (1 Sam 22:3). We need to care for our family while going through troubled waters.

♾️ Forest of Hereth ♾️
Next David went to the forest of Hereth to escape from king Saul (1 Sam 22:5). The dense forest protected David. At times it is safe to remain hidden till the troubles disappear.

David had to keep on changing his place to escape Saul. Wandering life is a tough life with lots of discomfort. But David had to undergo these hardships before he could ascend the throne. His painful experience made him write many a meaningful Psalms.

📖 Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? (Ps 56:8).

Dear ones in Christ, God permits every tough situations in our life for a greater purpose. Through it all, God works in us, for us and through us. Trust Him; call unto the Lord to be saved from all enemies.

God bless us to be channels of blessings.

Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍️
September 16, 2020