HIDING IN HIS STRONGHOLD

by Cathy Weymouth


Tuesday 4/20/2010 1 Sam 23; Ps 31, 54; Mt 7 - HIDING IN HIS STRONGHOLD


S- 1 Sam 23: 4, 29  Once again, David inquired of the Lord and the Lord answered him...  And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.


O - David was in a double-desperate situation - the Philistines were attacking the region of Keliah and King Saul was hot on his tail trying to kill him. And what does he do? He goes to God in prayer.  I love how he inquires of the Lord very specific things in this chapter. Three times he asks specific directions and receives them.  Later we see that he is able to stay safe away from King Saul by hiding out in the strongholds, the caves and caverns, of En Gedi.


A - David's strategy reminds me of his prayer in Psalm 31:2, "Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me."  David has developed a close relationship with the Lord over years of time hanging out together while shepherding the sheep. David's life is a life of closeness, intimacy, dependence, and trust in His Lord.  He knows where to turn in the time of need.  And he knew that success would come by following the Lord's direction.


P - Lord, may our lives be like this.  May we develop that closeness with you as we daily hang out - so that in time of desperation, we know you, turn to you and trust in You.  And may we hide away in the stronghold of You safety just as David hid in the caves of En Gedi.