In this passage, David was on the run from Saul although he didn’t know what he had done to offend him. Up to now, David had been a faithful subject who had delivered a number of military victories. This was actually what caused Saul’s problem with David. Saul was jealous of him because David’s reputation was growing an in Saul’s mind exceeded his own. 

 

David was looking for refuge, but when he sought safety with king Achish of Gath, he didn’t find it. In fact, David found it necessary to act insane so as not to be seen as a threat. Finally in 22:3, David decided to rely on God to provide direction and refuge, and this pleased God. 

 

What I hear God saying to me in this passage is that he wants me to turn to him when I need direction and protection. We all have been blessed with certain gifts, and, in our humanity, our tendency is to use those gifts to enhance our earthly status and possessions. I am particularly susceptible to wanting to be “in control.” I like to think that I can handle whatever life throws my way. There is nothing inherently wrong with our enjoyment of the fruits of our capabilities, and God certainly expects us to use the talents he has given us to provide for ourselves and families. However, when we reorient our lives to put God at the center of our being and seek to obey his will, how we apply our talents certainly looks and feels a lot different. We were given our abilities to serve God and to spread his love in the world by serving others and bearing witness to him. When we seek God first, we will find countless opportunities in our daily lives to bear witness to his love. Most of these will be small, but they are important. Still, God has a larger purpose for each of our lives, and we need to seek his direction so that we can fulfill it. 

 

We can discover God’s will for us, but we must earnestly seek it. I do this by spending some private time each day reading his word in the bible and praying that he will keep my heart open and receptive to his guidance through his Holy Spirit. When we seek and follow God’s direction (Psalm 57:1-2) we will be protected from failure. When we remain steadfast in our trust in God, we will be fulfilled and know the joy of a personal relationship with God. 

 

Your fellow traveler,