READ: 1 Samuel 22:1-2 & Psalm 57, 1 Samuel 22:3-23 & Psalm
52
David’s life had taken a
discouraging turn from his days as a shepherd and giant-slayer. The nation’s
king was in hot pursuit of him. He had abandoned family and friends in order to
escape the jealous king. Did he ever wish that God had not called him to be the
future king? Did he ever long for his days as a shepherd? Were the memories of
lions and bears a welcome relief from the fugitive life?
It is believed that while
hiding out in the cave of Adullam, David composed Psalm 57. Dependents began to
flock to the cave and a scraggily bunch started to collect. Perhaps this was both
a relief and a burden to David. On one hand, he was not alone; on the other, he
now had to lead others while still on the run from Saul. But God was teaching
David greater dependency. Through all things, God was teaching David to seek
after Him, to trust in His Word and to surrender Himself fully. Psalm 57 is
David’s intimate and personal plea to the Lord, but he does not wallow in the
throes of self. He looks to God. He knows God to be a God of mercy and refuge.
He knows God to be the Most High –
that, though a powerful earthly figure is in pursuit of him, his life finds its
beginning and end in God and His sovereign ways. There is none higher than the
God of heaven! And though David feels he is in a dark time, his prayer moves
from a place of supplication to a place of declaration. He begins to glorify
God, to put his stake of praise into the ground. Nothing – no earthly or
spiritual enemy – can steal his heart of worship from the One his soul loves!
Chapter 22 goes on to describe
the horrific events that took place when Saul found out that the priest of Nob
had helped David. The result is a bloodbath. 85 priests are killed and the
entire city – women and children included – falls to the edge of the sword.
Saul’s irreverence and wickedness has reached new heights. Even his servants
and officials think he is acting in haste and they will not step forward to
murder these innocent people. Doeg the Edomite, however, had seen the whole
thing and stepped forward to testify against David. When none of the officials
would follow the order to strike down the priests, Doeg stepped up to the task.
It is upon hearing of this event that David composed Psalm 52. In this Psalm,
he declares the steadfast love and enduring faithfulness of God, despite the
wicked actions of evildoers. It is a Psalm encouraging the faithful followers
of Yahweh to hold confidently to His protection in times of trouble. David is
such a model for us: in all kinds of circumstances,
He runs straight to the Lord. The Lord truly is his refuge and his strength. If
the events of his life have put him over the moon with joy, he pours out his
heart to the Lord, and if his circumstances have brought him into the pit of
darkness, he falls before the Lord. Let us seek to do the same! Let us seek to
know and be known by our Creator in this way! And like David, whatever may
come, let us trust in the steadfast love of the Lord and thank Him forever
because He is good!
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. David
is going through a lot of trial – and there is more to come. Why do you think
God allowed David so much trial? Why not just supernaturally strike Saul down
and bring David into kingship? What benefit could come from this waiting
period?
2. What
is a trial you have been, or are going through? Given what you just thought
about David, think about your own situation. Why might God have allowed this in
your life? Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminded us that His ways and
thoughts are higher than ours. Thank
God for this truth in your life.
3. Write
your own psalm to the Lord today. Come, just as you are, before Him. Whether
you are filled with joy, excitement, peace, sadness, discouragement – whatever!
Bring your emotions before the Lord. And then, like David, put your stake of
praise in the ground and declare the truth about who God is.
