September 6, 2022
Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the LORD said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But David's men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the LORD again. And the LORD answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. (1 Samuel 23:1-5) ESV
David learned from a young age to put his trust in God. When he was out in the fields looking after his father’s sheep, God protected him against the lion and the bear. David learned to know his God as he sat alone in the fields.
As I mentioned in my previous Devotional Thought, “we cannot trust someone we do not love.” Moreover, we can not love and trust someone we do not know. David knew God. So it stood to reason that later in his life, he placed his trust first and foremost in God. Who are we putting our trust in today? In our Scripture reading today, David was advised that the Philistines were attacking the people in a town called Keilah. At that time, David was fleeing from Saul, and he had six hundred men with him. He was trying to stay out of Saul’s way. Saul wanted to kill him because he was jealous of David. Saul believed that David wanted his throne, but it was not valid. Saul was also jealous because his son, Jonathan, and David were best friends. When David heard that the Philistines were attacking Keilah, he asked the Lord what he should do. David did not inquire from other people; he did not take the word of his men, even though I am sure he trusted them. No, David asked from the Lord, and He answered him. The Lord told him to go, and David defeated the Philistines.
Friends, I believe we can learn a lesson from David and place our trust in God first; He will never let us down. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, amid difficult decisions, please help me keep my head; help me not to be swayed by the opinions and solutions others around me offer. Instead, may I listen to You and You only. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Encouraging Words from James 1:5 (ESV): If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
God Bless you and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
Feedback, or Devotion Ideas? Send an email to info@wearethebridge.org
Download The Bridge Mobile App to get the latest devotions, blog posts, podcast episodes, and more as soon as they are published!
