When Our Heart Is Set On Him

Yesterday David killed Goliath and led the Israelites in the defeat of the Philistines.

Today he’s hiding in a cave, trying to outrun Saul,

who would love nothing more than to see him dead.

Along the way, David attracts a following of outcasts –

men who the Bible says were “desperate, in debt, or discontent.”

In David these men found Hope for a better life,

a chance at a fresh start.

Many years later, a descendant of David will enter the Bible story.

This Man won’t hide from His enemies,

but He will bring Hope to people who are searching for a better way,

with the words,

“Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 

David couldn’t see beyond the caves in which he was hiding.

He didn’t know that one day his very own grandson several times removed would offer Hope to the entire world.

He just knew God had called Him for a purpose,

and he chosel to say, “Yes,”

even when this call led him into the wilderness in search of safety.

I wonder how David would have faced those days of running from Saul had he known what we now know?

God directed his steps with very clear directions,

but He never revealed more than David needed to know on any particular day.

“Move here,” “Move there,” “Stop here,” “Stop there.”

Like a GPS, God gave David just enough information to lead him to the next right turn.

And David never asked for more.

I wish I were more like David,

fully trusting God even when the next turn in the road is yet to be announced.

How did David do it?

Running from one place to the next in order to save his lives and the lives of his followers,

he never seemed to panic about the final destination.

Psalm 91:14-15 may hold a clue.

Because he has set his heart on Me,

I will deliver Him;

I will protect him because he knows My Name.

When he calls out to me, I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble.

I will rescue him and give him honor.

Because he has his heart set on Me.

Because he knows My Name.

David understood something Saul had missed.

God was right there,

making a way.

David didn’t need to rush God’s timing in order to believe He would keep His Word.

While Saul frantically tried to hold his own life together,

David released his life into the hands of the One who was his

“refuge and fortress.”

Maybe that’s my struggle today.

What am I willing to release so God can lead the way?

I’m holding tight to so many earthly things,

wanting answers while refusing to loosen my knuckles enough to trust Him with the words I might hear.

Saul held a tight grip on his title,

doing everything within his power to control his fate.

David, on the other hand,

knew God’s name and trusted Him in every cave along the way.

In Psalm 31:14-15, David, frightened and alone, says,

But I trust in you, Lord;

I say, “You are my God.”

The course of my life is in your power.

As Easter quickly approaches, I’m reminded that Jesus prayed a similar prayer,

“Father, if you are willing,

take this cup from me;

yet not my will, but yours be done.”

__________________________

I want to be like David.

I want to be like Jesus.

Lord, I trust you with my life.

You are my God.

The course of my life is in your power.

Not my will, but yours be done.

In Your Son’s Precious Name I Pray, 

Amen

(Today’s reading was from I Samuel 21-24; Psalm 7, 27, 31, 34, 52, and 91.)