Fridays with David

Read 1 Samuel 30:3-6 – So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (NKJV)

David’s plan to feign partnership with the Philistines caused him to leave his home unprotected. Now the women and children have been captured and their city burned. David’s men are angered at his leadership and he knows it. So David returns to seeking God’s direction. It’s important to see how David’s plan has cost him. When he was in Israel, Saul hated him but his men and the people trusted him. When he ran to Philistia, Saul was no longer chasing him, but his choice has compromised his ability to effectively lead those who have always been with him. Taking matters into our own hands often leads to undesirable trade-offs. We lose things that really matter while chasing things of lesser value. Trusting ourselves always diminishes us. But trusting in God allows us to hold onto and grow the most valuable parts of our lives.

– Dr. Mike Clarensau serves as Senior Director of the Healthy Church Network of the Assemblies of God.