Feb 05 – FEAR!

“And 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” (1 Samuel 27: 11).

David was afraid of Saul. He was thinking in his heart that one day or the other he will lose his life in the hand of Saul. Therefore, he thought of finding a place where Saul cannot find him, and a place where he can live securely.

Even today, many saints of God are afflicted with fear – of falling from their righteous living, of backsliding and falling into sin, of transgressing from the righteousness due to deeds of Satan. The reason for these fears in their minds, is because Satan’s continuous pursuit to tempt them into sinning. Satan never really bothers about those who are already in sin, but always in pursuit to hunt down only the saints of God.

When the daughter of Herod danced and entertained her father, she never asked for half of the kingdom which was offered to her. She rather asked for the head of John the Baptist. It is because Satan is only interested in the heads of righteous men. And that is why there is always an apprehension in the saints of God, whether they will be able to stand till the very end or whether they will fall.

David’s fear of Saul was also very similar. Thinking that Saul would one day kill him, and that he was in dire need of a secure place, he went down to the land of Philistines. He requested that gentile king to give him a place to dwell in their country, if he has found favour in the eyes of that king.

How pathetic it is note that David, who is used to get all what he needed from the Lord – the fountain of all blessings, is now standing before a Philistine King, who is nothing but a broken cistern. So, the king gave him Ziklag, and that is where David had to face many trials.

But what did David do after that setback? He returned to the Lord and inquired of Him, whether he can dwell in one of the cities of Jordan. And the Lord commanded him to dwell in Hebron. It was only in Hebron that David was anointed as King. The term ‘Hebron’ means ‘shoulder’. In Hebron, the Lord carried David on His shoulders, He exalted and honoured him.

Children of God, when you face trials and battles in your life, do not seek the favour of men. But rather seek the Lord and sit at His feet with fasting prayers. God will certainly show you a ‘Hebron’ and exalt you.

Verse for further meditation: “You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory” (Psalm 73: 24).