David risked his own life by facing the giant Philistine champion Goliath with a sling and a stone—and with his remarkable faith in God. God gave him the victory. What did David get? King Saul was bitterly jealous and tried to assassinate David.
David played the lyre for Saul when he was tormented by an evil spirit, trying to make him feel better. What did David get? Saul kept throwing his spear at David, trying to kill him.
David served with distinction in the military under Saul’s rule. Time after time he saved the people from their enemies. What did David get? Saul’s assassination attempts got so dangerous that David was forced to flee. He lived in the wilderness, moving from place to place, trying to stay one step ahead of Saul’s relentless pursuit.
Saul’s hatred for David was deadly. The jealous king believed the priests at Nob were assisting David, so he had them slaughtered and their city destroyed. David knew that all those who were sympathetic with him were in danger from Saul’s irrational violent acts.
The pressure on David must have been enormous. The temptation to doubt God must have been ever-present. How long can a person live under intense stress? Even someone as strong as David needs a break now and then.
On one occasion, Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men. Suddenly, Saul was called away to go and fight the Philistines. A coincidence? Hardly. God’s providence at work! Not only did God’s invisible hand remove Saul for a while, but David just happened to be near a place called En-gedi (1 Samuel 23:29).
En-gedi is notable because it is a beautiful oasis near the western shore of the Dead Sea. After all their running and hiding in wilderness strongholds, what a refreshing change it must have been for David and his men to spend time at an oasis. Abundant springs of water. Lush trees and fragrant plant life. And their enemy Saul was kept busy with the Philistines.
Finally, a precious moment of rest.
We may sometimes experience times of great stress. Our faith in the Lord may waver and wobble. We may grow tired and weary, worn and wanting. We need a break. Even Jesus occasionally retreated from the crowds and his teaching and healing ministries. In his humanity, he needed to be recharged.
Watch for the opportunities God makes available to you. His invisible hand is always at work. Sometimes he distracts our enemies, giving us rest from the battle. Sometimes he brings us to a spiritual oasis, giving us refreshing for our souls. We need these times and God is good to provide them.
After all, the Lord is our Shepherd. We shall not want!
May the Lord protect us and lead us to places of beauty and refreshment,
Brother Richard
brotherrichardsblog.com 