On the Run

In David's story up to this point he seems focused on trusting in God through his good and bad days. As he continues to flee from Saul, however, his story takes a twist. He runs to Nob where he finds the priest Ahimelech who asks David why he is traveling alone. David lies and states that he is on a mission for King Saul and in need of food. Ahimelech gives him the conscecrated bread of the temple as well as the sword he used to slay Goliath, which must have been kept there at the temple as a sort of dedication to God. The sword David once used to fulfill God's purpose is now in David's hands for his own purposes. The tone of this section of Scripture is that of a man on the run who is solely depending on his own strength and intellect. David then flees from Nob to Achish, the king of Gath, and is questioned by his servants as to why he is on the run since he is Israel's great hero. The word says David "took these words to heart". I think fear began to set into to David's soul. Fear of Saul, fear of whether God would come through, fear of being a fugitive, fear of not having anyone on his side all began to erode David's trust in God. He decides to further lie by pretending to be insane; a far cry from the David who boldly stood against the giant. The difference, I believe, is David completely relied on God's power when he was confident against Goliath; now he relies on his own devises to try to manipulate others for his purposes. Today I praise God for the times I relied on Him and stood my ground for His purposes. I pray for the times I will be tempted to run from God by taking things in my own hands. I pray for the wisdom to see the difference and the courage to run after His lead.