1 Samuel 21:10-13 English Standard Version (ESV)
David Flees to Gath
10 And David rose and fled that day from Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is not this David the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances,
‘Saul has struck down his thousands,
and David his ten thousands’?”
12 And David took these words to heart and was much afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 So he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be insane in their hands and made marks on the doors of the gate and let his spittle run down his beard.
DEVOTIONAL
SOAP: 1 Samuel 21: 12-13
David feared for his life and left everything behind to flee from King Saul. He wanted to hide, but God’s chosen ones are always conspicuous in this world. His life had turned upside-down, and rather than resting in faith, he reacted in the flesh and tried to escape a difficult situation by play acting.
Have you ever tried to manipulate a situation by presenting a false front? Have you ever run in fear, rather than standing strong in faith? Like David, we are human, and we often react out of anxious desperation, rather than rehearsing God’s promises and remembering that He is our Defender. Today, let’s purpose to choose wisely and rest in God’s care. He’s always standing in our corner.
Lord, thank You for being our Refuge and Strength during difficult times. Help us to latch on to Your promises today, rather than letting our thoughts linger on doubt and fear. In our heart of hearts, we believe that nothing is impossible for You, so help us to face each moment with courage and faith. Amen.
