“Now, my father, see! Indeed, see the edge of your robe in my hand! For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, know and perceive that there is no evil or rebellion in my hands, and I have not sinned against you, though you are lying in wait for my life to take it…The Lord therefore be judge and decide between you and me! And may He see and plead my cause to deliver me from your hand.” (1)
David faced insurmountable obstacles and multiple crises. How did David overcome overwhelming odds from his relentless enemy, Saul? King Saul wanted to completely overthrow, destroy, and kill him. A deeper look into David’s character reveals how he was sustained through such a troubled atmosphere. As we peer into David’s heart through Psalm 18, we see how his impenetrable strength that would not give up until God’s divine will prevailed. But first, let’s consider why Saul hated David so much. King Saul was jealous of David due to the immense attention David received after slaying the giant, Goliath. David received more praise, approval, and honor, than that of King Saul. (2) A lateral shift of focus of attention away from Saul bred suspicion, making him fearful his kingdom would fall into David’s hands. (3) David was being prepared and aligned for the fulfillment of God’s purposes to take kingship. Let’s go back to David’s youth to understand how God molded David’s character.
Trained and conditioned at a young age, David was taught warfare. His heroic efforts were developed while out in the pastures attending his father’s sheep. David became brave in overcoming the attacks of wild beasts that threatened the sheep’s safety. (4) His courageous feats prepared him to bear up strong against adversaries. When frightened, he’d call out to God. Those early years were carefully forming David’s dependence to rely solely on the Lord. As we look into Psalms 18, we see a time when he came face to face with even greater obstacles than that of his youth. It was the period in his life when Saul pursued him. The opening verses reveal David’s heart…we see David’s unfeigned love for God. He acknowledges God as: My Strength, my Rock, my Savior, my Fortress, my Shield, my Salvation and my Stronghold. (5) His heart resounds, “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (6) At a critical point in his life he learned to trust in the strength of God’s attributes. He calls upon the Lord in innumerable ways in which God came to his aid. Thus, David witnessed over and over again God’s help in rescuing him from perilous times. He too, found the Lord to be his safe refuge. A safe place of hiding where God’s loving-kindness encircled and protected him. The threat of assaults from Saul’s attacks drove him to depend greater on God, especially as he refused to dwell in, or give place to, Saul’s wicked oppression. Though pressed and tried by this relentless enemy, he chose to surrender all accounts of evil toward him to God. A commitment pleasing to the Lord. Favor and blessings were David’s reward for his obedience and intimate walk with the Lord!
By God’s power, David was given faith, courage and skill to accomplish the task of conquering Goliath. His act of valor was based on his solid trust in God. Also while under constant attacks from Saul, David learned the art of patience. Trust, patience, and endurance fortified his faith during a time when he waited for the fulfillment of God’s will for him to become king.
Saul was only an instrument in God’s greater plan to prepare David for greatness.
The infinite wisdom of God will appoint the trial that is suitable for you, too. Perhaps it is for a grander purpose. I wonder, could it be for higher reasons beyond your comprehension?
The example of “rock solid faith” teaches us: In the might of God’s strength those huge giants who defy God and taunt His saints can be overcome in God’s power.
Today what giant enemy can you fight and defeat today in God’s strength?
Lord Jesus, in gratitude I thank You for coming to rescue me when I fall into perilous situations that are challenging for me. Strengthen me that I may rise up to be a champion for Your kingdom. I worship You for Your hand of covering over my life Amen.
Footnotes:
1. 1 Samuel 24:11, 15
2. 1 Samuel 18:8
3. 1 Samuel 16:13
4. 1 Samuel 17:37
5. Psalm 18:1-2
6. Psalm 18:3
All Scripture taken from the nas
Addressing Crisis Together Ministry 