David’s Hardships and Prayers
Scripture Reading — 1 Samuel 23:14-29
Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.
After God rejected Saul as the king over Israel because of his disobedience (March 9), God had Samuel anoint David to be the next king (1 Samuel 16). Even so, Saul remained king for a number of years, and he grew jealous of David. Saul even mounted a campaign to kill David, searching for him with his army in the wilderness.
But God protected David and guided him to rely on God in faith. Through this time of struggle David grew to understand that God is the faithful one, and that we can trust God to keep his promises.
For example, David prayed, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. . . . I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies” (Psalm 18:3). David knew that God was keeping him safe and guiding him. And God gave David the faith to deal with his hardships.
David prayed and praised God through his painful moments, when he fell short, when he was humbled, and when he wandered miserably. And by God’s grace and in God’s strength, David survived and was able to flourish.
When we are weary and face difficult times, we too can trust in God and triumph in his power. So let’s make sure we stay connected to God through prayer and in praising God’s holy and powerful name.
Father God, let us not forget that we are your children, no matter what situations we face. May we praise you and always look to you for guidance, through faith and in your strength. Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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