Run to the Hiding Place

On top of hiding from Saul, being a refuge in Philistine territory, being rejected by the Philistines in battle (which turned out to be God’s hand working) David and his men arrived home to find their village to have been raided and all the women, children and anyone else to be carried off as captives. David’s two wives are among them.

David and his men were devestated and wept unitl they could not weep any more. (from 1 Sam. 30:3)

However his men became bitter and laid blame on David. They threatened to stone him. So now his own men are turning against him! David is greiving, he is afraid. What does he do?

“But David found strength in the Lord his God.” He didn’t run or hide from his men, he didn’t get mad, he didn’t despair, he didn’t run off on his own to rescue the captives, no, he turned to his God.

“Then David asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?’

And the Lord said, ‘ Yes go after them. You will surely recover everthing that was taken from you!”

“David and his men rushed in among them and slaughtered them throughtout the night and the entire next day until evening. (fighting all night and all day!) None of the Amalekites escaped except 400 young men who fled on camels.

David got back everything the Amalekites had taken, and he rescued his two wives. Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor anthing else that had been taken. David brought everything back. He also recovered all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock. “This plunder belongs to David!” they said. ” 1 Sam. 30:17-20

What a victory! And with only 400 men against the vast Amalekite army! So, now his men are singing David’s praises! Only God!

David questioned God and I’m sure at times he was angry with God. He was afraid, he was near despair at times, he was lonely, he thought he was going to die, yet he always ran to God, He leaned on God and he depended on God for guidiance.

David hid under God’s protecting wings. He always ran to the hiding place. And David always praised his God.

“But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”

My future is in Your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

Let Your favor shine on Your servant. In Your unfailing love, rescue me.

How great is the goodness You have stored up for those who fear You. You lavish it on those who come to You for protection, blessing them before the watching world.

You hide them in the shelter of Your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in Your presence far from accusing tongues.” Pa. 31:14-16, 19-20

“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation–so why should I b afraid?

The Lord is my Fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?

When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

The one thing I ask of the Lord–The one thing I see most–Is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in His Temple.

For He will conceal me there when troubles come. He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high Rock.

Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me.

At His sanctuary I will offer sacrifieces with shouts of JOY, singing and praising the Lord with music.” Psalm 27:1-6 NLT

Remember David’s enemies were people and armies but our enemies can be fear, worry, anxiety, sickness, pain, anger, sin, doubt, unbelief and anything that leads us from God’s path.

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