Have you counted your blessings recently? It’s the beginning of November, and I have already seen several people posting what they are thankful for each day. Sometimes it is hard to see God’s blessings because the fog of doubt and despair hamper our vision to God’s movement. So, we may ask the question, “How can I know God is working on my behalf when it seems God is distant and short?” David asked God for direction, and God gave him two short answers chapter 23. Sometimes, we don’t even have that much to go on. So, where do we know God is helping us and how can we continue to place our faith in Him?
Read 1 Samuel 23:7-24:22
Most of the time, we can barely see past the end of our nose. If something doesn’t grab our attention from being out in the open, we miss it altogether. God works behind the scenes so much, that even when He blesses openly, there are so many other blessings we miss because they were given in secret. One of my favorite illustrations of this is with travel. We don’t know how many detours and the “scenic routes” may have been God’s providence to keep us out of a wreck. David continually escaped Sauls clutches. We may experience harm and difficulty, but we may never know all the pain that God has kept us from in our life.
David feared for his life because of Saul. He had been running from him for quite some time, and no doubt was tired. Thankfully, David had 600 men loyal to him. However, God would give David another friend. Jonathan was David’s best friend and Saul’s son. The same Saul that was trying to kill David. Jonathan knew this but still made a covenant with David to watch over him. God knows exactly when we need encouragement. Saul could not find David because God wouldn’t let him. Jonathan found David because God wanted David to be encouraged. God will send us support through others. Sometimes His goodness is felt strongest that way.
David continued to place faith in God. He trusted God to avenge him. David had an opportunity to kill Saul and end this chase. However, he knew Saul personally and that at one time was God’s anointed person for a particular time. David would not avenge himself. He knew that God would do that. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19). God would go on to avenge David. Saul and Jonathan would die in battle against another army. David grieved for the loss of both men. However, he knew that God judge righteously. That is something almost impossible for us to do. The best thing then is to trust God and let Him fight our battles.
Jeremy Kamer Ministries 