TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: I Samuel 27–29 chapters
DEVOTION
During this time the Philistines gathered to fight against Israel. At the same time, David was living in Gath, in the land of the Philistines, along with his men and their families as refugees.
David was wrong in falsely reporting his activities to Achish. No doubt David was lying and not completely truthful with King Achish. He may have felt his strategy was necessary during a time of war against a pagan enemy. David also knew that one day he would become the king of Israel. Even though the Philistines were his enemies, their land became a place where he could hide from Saul.
Later, Achish asked David to go with the Philistine army to fight against Israel. David agreed, but he was only pretending to be loyal to the Philistines. We are not sure what David planned to do in that battle, but one thing is clear his true loyalty was to God, not to Achish or Saul.
Achish request put David in a difficult situation. If he refused to fight along side philistines, would endanger his soldiers and families. Agree to fight his own people would hurt the very people he loved and would one day lead. But David did not have to solve the problem himself. God protected him.
The other Philistine leaders refused to let David join the battle, so he was sent back and did not have to fight against his own people.
Sometimes we face situations where we don’t know what to do. But just like David, God can protect us and make a way even when we are in a difficult position. Isaiah 43:29 NLT says I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. God has got you no matter what your situation is.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for Your protection in my life. Even when I don’t understand what is happening, help me trust You. Thank You for your guidance and protection over my life. Amen.