In the opening verse of 1 Samuel 27, we see what is the beginning of a 16 month time period that David stepped outside of the will of God. And it all started with one thought. In this one thought, David opened himself (and the 600 men he led) up to leaving the boundary lines of God’s protection, Israel, and takes matters into his own hands. He runs to the enemy to seek protection. Say what???
Most likely we can all think of a time in our lives when we desired relief from the warfare and difficulties of life in such a way, that “we think to ourselves” instead of inquiring of God. It was this one thought, swift action, driven by fear and self-protection, that convinces David to leap over the boundary lines and seek help from the enemy of Israel. Hinds sight is 20/20-right?
He allows the enemy and his circumstances convince him that the promises of God could not possibly come to fruition.
Even Saul had declared that David would one day be king-but David must have had amnesia or something. Because he is convinces himself that he will never be King, the battle will never be over, and break-through will never happen. He puts himself and his 600 men AND their families in grave danger just to experience a momentary relief.
Dwellers-if this hits home to you, and you find yourself encamped in fear, doubt, defeat, self-protection-you are in enemy territory.
In the next few chapters, we will see what this one thought leads to-and it isn’t pretty. But we will also see that David’s response to Yahweh’s mercy, is an excellent model to follow. David is just 16 months away from breakthrough, and he has no idea how close deliverance is. Sisters in Christ, run back into the arms of Jesus. Stop focusing on the when, why, how, and circumstances. Instead, lock eyes on Jesus, and let Him remind you of your inheritance and identity as the daughter of the King.