“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him. 3 Then David went from there to Mizpah of Moab; and he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and mother come here with you, till I know what God will do for me.” 4 So he brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelt with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.” 1 Samuel 22:1-4 NKJV
Father God,
David was in trouble and in flight mode but he had time for others in the same situation. There was no trying to prove his troubles were bigger than theirs. No reciting his woes and not listening to theirs. He allowed them to come and join him and then he found somewhere better than a cave to keep them all safe together. Some of the who were also in danger from Saul, even his mother and father! Others who had made mistakes, misfits or those taken advantage of by Saul. David makes no judgements but gives then opportunity to stay under his protection.
Sometimes we find ourselves reciting our woes without realising others have their own and forget to listen to theirs. It is good to share with a friend for prayer and support but not to be a walking pity party. We need to be able to see and hear others. That is why You tell us to bring our worries to You so we can know You carry them for us (Matthew 11:28-30).
Help us to have grace to provide a place of safety and comfort for those around us even in tough times. We can only do it with Your help and strength. David wrote Psalm 57 at this time and it reminds us that he was weary (v6) but he could thank You, God for Your faithfulness and love (v10). Keep us from trouble but if it comes just keep us.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 29th April 2025
I love this interpretation and tune.
Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to thy bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high;
hide me, O my Saviour, hide,
till the storm of life is past;
safe into the haven guide,
O receive my soul at last!
Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee;
leave, ah! leave me not alone,
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on thee is stayed,
all my help from thee I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of thy wing.
Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy name,
I am all unrighteousness;
Vile and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
Musical interlude . . .
Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my sin;
let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art;
freely let me take of thee;
spring thou up within my heart,
rise to all eternity.
Lyrics: Charles Wesley