The Running Club

After acting like a crazy person to escape being found out, David finds refuge in some caves. His family learns of his whereabouts and comes to find him, resulting in a ragamuffin band of renegades resembling Robin Hood's story. David gets his parents into safe keeping with an ally king, then becomes leader to all the others. Saul hears of David's encounter with the priest in Nob from one of his servants and puts the priest and all of their families to death...this guy is ruthless and relentless. David hears the news and feels the weight of guilt that all those people died, in part, due to his lying. Had David not lied to the priest about being on a mission for Saul, he may not have helped David and even given him some wise counsel. Instead, David put his own safety and needs first, eventually leading to the death of 85 priests and their families. How often I think of myself and even lie to get my priorities put first. I know you're probably thinking that you don't lie...but we all do...even if only to ourselves by convincing ourselves we are looking out for others when really we are looking out for number one. David at least took responsibility for his part in the deaths of all of those people...he owned his own and was then capable of moving forward. Truly, we can only change ourselves so owning our part in any conflict is the only sure way to see change. Today I pray for the strength and wisdom to own my stuff...to face my part in the chaos and to see the peace God grants through that humility. I am running today with eyes wide open.