READING: I Samuel 23-25
It’s clear the people of God knew from their history that God delivers His own. For example, we read in Judges 1:1-2, “After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, ‘Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites?’ The Lord answered, ‘Judah is to go. I have handed the land over to him.’” Other stories we’ve already read this year echo the same theme (Judg 3:28, 4:14, 7:14-15; 1 Sam 14:12-13).
It’s no wonder, then. that David sought the Lord’s guidance about attacking the Philistines already engaged in battle in Keilah. What’s surprising is that the men under David’s leadership cowered in fear even after God had told David to launch an attack. They already feared Saul and his forces, so how could they engage the mighty Philistines? David graciously sought the Lord again for His guidance, and His reassurance apparently convinced David’s forces to move forward.
Sometimes we, too, allow fear to capture us—and we need the Lord’s reassurance. Thank God that He so graciously and patiently guides us anyway!
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you need the Lord’s reassurance today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, thank You for not giving up on me when I allow fear to win temporarily.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Samuel 26-30