Go to the right source

The Bible says, ‘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;"’ (v. 1 NKJV).

Now, in times past, David had enquired of the Lord (see Samuel 23:2, 4). He also sought advice from experienced, proven counsellors. But this time, he was guided by his fears and ended up defecting to enemy territory. And it gave him a temporary sense of relief. Looking to the wrong source can do that, but it doesn’t last. Solomon said: ‘There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, And the end of mirth may be grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above. The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.’ (Proverbs 14:12-15 NKJV). Eventually, the Philistines rejected David because they couldn’t trust him. They said, ‘Send David back to the town you gave him. We won’t have him going into the battle with us. He could turn and fight against us!’ (1 Samuel 29:4 CEV). Be careful when you’re in a spiritual slump because the decisions you make can have long-lasting ramifications. Rejected by the Philistines, with no country and no family to come home to, here is what we learn from David:

1) Instead of listening to your fears, listen to God. Standing among the ruins of his life, ‘David found strength in the Lord’ (1 Samuel 30:6 NIV), and you will, too.

2) Seek wise counsellors. It’s the last thing you will feel like doing because misery loves company, ‘But in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.’ (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV).