December 17, 2015
1 Samuel 30
But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. Psalm 56:3
LET IT GLOW
Where do I turn when foes are aggravating me? To whom do I turn when I am afraid of the test results unknown? When trouble floods my soul, and bills pill up due to health problems, when sorrows come, what do I do to find peace and comfort and solutions? Like David, I turn to God. He is in control of all things, even my little things which concern me.
The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT) gives 1 Chronicles 12:19 after chapter 29, and inserts Psalm 56 here. It says that this psalm was written "Regarding the time the Philistines seized David in Gath."
The Life Application Study Bible says Psalm 56 was probably written on the same occasion as Psalm 34, when David fled from Saul to Philistine territory (chapter 21).
Whenever it was written is not so significant as to the content of Psalm 56. Will you turn to it and read it? Then we will discuss some encouraging thoughts and prayer of David, especially concerning his enemies:
- David asks for God's mercy, first of all.
- He acknowledges his need for deliverance-hounding foes boldly attacking him all day long, slandering him.
- They twist what David says and spend their days plotting to harm him.
- They spy on him, watching David's every step eager to kill him.
- David asks God to not let them get away with their wickedness and to bring his foes down.
Within this psalm, David has a change of heart, turning to his God:
- David puts his trust in God when he is afraid.
- He praises God for what He has promised.
- He acknowledges that God keeps track of all his sorrows; He collects all his tears in a bottle; He records each one in His book.
- He believes that his enemies will retreat when David calls to god for help.
- David knows that God is on his side.
- He says he will fulfill his vows to God.
- David will offer a sacrifice of thanks for God's help.
- He admits that God had rescued him from death and kept his feet from slipping.
- David says he could walk in god's presence and in His life-giving light.
People can inflict pain, suffering, and death. but no person can rob us of our souls or our future beyond this life. (LASB)
Jesus said in Matthew 10:28, Don't fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul.
It is God who has control over our soul and He is the One we should fear, not people. God understands us, loves us, and cares about what happens to us.
Friends, we should take all our troubles, concerns, mistreatments, and disappointments t our God as David did. We too can say, "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in God."
LET IT GROW
David and his men were sent home to Ziklag after the Philistine commanders did not trust him being on their side in the battle against Israel. what should have been a joyful homecoming ended not being one. While they were gone, the Amalekites invaded the south, including Ziklag and burned it, as well as taking the taking their families captives. Can you imagine the sinking feeling in their stomach when confronted with deserted and smoldering homes? As far as these men knew, all their loved families may have been killed. What a blow! What a tragedy!
What does the Scripture say happened next?
- The men wept loudly.
- David's beloved Abigail was missing, also. The one and only woman who was a blessing to him.
- David was greatly distressed.
- His men talked about stoning David. They were turning against their next-in-line-to-be-king? Yeah, it was David's leading them away to help the Philistines; yes, he made a blundering boo-boo; but where is their love for their leader, the one who had been providing for them all this time? Remember, these men were grieving over the loss of their wives and children, who could have possibly been slain.
- Why were they not planning a rescue instead of a stoning?
LET IT GO
Don't fear, trust in my God for all things.
Release it to God to solve, protect, provide.
Trust, TRUST, TRUST!!!!
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