‘I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines;’ 1 Samuel 27:1 NKJV The Bible says, ‘David said in his heart, "Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines;"’ (v. 1 NKJV). Now, in times past, David [...]
by Bob and Debby Gass
Go to the right source
‘I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines;’ 1 Samuel 27:1 NKJV
The Bible says, ‘David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish someday by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape to the land of the Philistines;”’ (v. 1 NKJV). Now, in times past, David had enquired of the LORD (see Samuel 23:2, 4). He also sought advice from experienced, proven counsellors. But this time, he was guided by his fears and ended up defecting to enemy territory. And it gave him a temporary sense of relief. Looking to the wrong source can do that, but it doesn’t last. Solomon said: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.’ (Proverbs 14:12-15 NKJV). Eventually, the Philistines rejected David because they couldn’t trust him. They said, ‘Send David back to the town you gave him. We won’t have him going into the battle with us. He could turn and fight against us!’ (1 Samuel 29:4 CEV). Be careful when you’re in a spiritual slump because the decisions you make can have long-lasting ramifications. Rejected by the Philistines, with no country and no family to come home to, here is what we learn from David: 1) Instead of listening to your fears, listen to God. Standing among the ruins of his life, ‘David found strength in the LORD’ (1 Samuel 30:6 NIV), and you will, too. 2) Seek wise counsellors. It’s the last thing you will feel like doing because misery loves company, ‘But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.’ (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV).
SoulFood: Phil 1-4 Luke 22:54-62 Ps 31:14-24 Pro 9:1-3
The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright 2023
Tap here to get this reading each day directly in your inbox
Try a power nap
‘When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.’ Proverbs 3:24 NIV God built specific triggers into our bodies to let us know when it’s time to escape consciousness. And wise people listen to these clues. History’s most notable power nappers include Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Winston Churchill. There is a reason why your eyelids start [...]
Seek God for direction
‘Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.’ Proverbs 16:3 NIV As a follower of Jesus, your direction shouldn’t come from people and be confirmed by God, it should come from God and be confirmed by people. The Bible says: ‘The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the [...]
Learn to control your anger
‘Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.’ Proverbs 19:11 NLT When it comes to anger, here is what you need to know: it isn’t a psychological disorder; everybody gets angry. And it’s not necessarily a sin. Like a fast-flowing river, it can generate constructive or destructive energy and be unleashed negatively or harnessed [...]
The joys of heaven (3)
‘There will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain;’ Revelation 21:4 NASB Sometimes we describe dying as crossing the Jordan. That’s because the Jordan River runs into the Dead Sea. The story is told of an elderly Christian lady who was dying. For most of her life, illness had confined her to bed or a [...]
The joys of heaven (2)
‘The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth.’ Revelation 21:16 NKJV The next time you feel cramped for space, read this: ‘The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its [...]
The joys of heaven (1)
‘For our citizenship is in heaven,’ Philippians 3:20 NASB The story is told of a pastor who asked his congregation, ‘How many of you want to go to heaven?’ Everyone raised their hand except one little boy. The pastor said, ‘Son, don’t you want to go to heaven?’ He replied, ‘Yes, but I thought you were getting [...]