1 Samuel 24: God Will Never Leave Us

In 1 Samuel 24, we find a great story about how the Lord never left David, even after David sinned. We often speak of the great promises contained in scripture about how God will never leave us nor forsake us, but what does that actually look like? From 1 Samuel 24, we can answer that question.

The beginning of this chapter picks up in the middle of a narrative about how David is in a sticky situation. David still fears Saul, and instead of trusting God witih his fears, he takes the matters into his own hands (see previous devo's on 1 Samuel). Because of this, he finds himself taking comfort with and making friends with the Phillistines, the Israelite's number one enemy. Achish (one of the princes of the Phillistines) befriends David most notably, and furthermore trusts David, even with his life. Thus, when the Phillistines go out to start battling the Israelites, David asks that he and his mighty men go with them. This is where David finds himself in a sticky situation. David thought he had it all figure out. He figured that if he found refuge in the Phillistine enemy's hands he would be safe from his primary enemy, Saul. But just when he thought he had it figured out, he finds himself being asked to fight against his very own nation. Yikes!

So how does David get out of this one? Answer: God's providence. Although David and his men are ready to fight, Achish ends up sending David home because the rest of the Phillistines don't trust David and think that he will remain loyal to his own people. Under God's sovereign hand, David is peacefully sent back home and the conflict is resolved. The Lord was with David all along, guiding his every step, even though David sinned and thought that he had it all under control.

So, does any of the above story sound familiar in your own life? Do you ever take matters into your own hands, only to find out that it put you in a stickier situation than you were in before? Do you ever find yourself finding refuge in sinful places rather than turning to God and admitting your fear? Furthermore, do you ever forget that God is with you, even after you have sinned? The greatest takeaway from this chapter is that God was still with David, even when he sinned. Even though we ought to always confess and repent of our sins, we must also remember that God will never leave us nor forsake us amidst our sin, for he is a good God who cannot and will not forsake his children. This morning, I encourage you to take comfort in this fact. Perhaps you have sinned greatly like David, but let me encourage you that that Lord is still with you (that is, if you are truly a child of God). Confess and repent of your sin, and turn to the loving Saviour who was always by your side. Amen!

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'" Hebrews 13:5-6