This week we begin worship with:
I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
With these two verses David explains what happened to him, when he sought protection from God, and encourages others to do the same.
Empty handed and alone, he escaped Saul, and went to seek the provision, if not the protection, of the Achish, the king of Gath. Yes, that Gath, the home of Goliath, whom he had slain. He sought the protection of the Philistines!
And yes, by the time he reached Gath, he was carrying the very recognizable sword of Goliath. For, on the way, he was given the sword by Ahimelech (1 Samuel 21:8-9).
But rather than receiving protection, the court of king Achish identified David as a dangerous enemy. David quickly understood that he was in danger. So, he pretended to lose his mind, and by acting insane, he was allowed to depart.
He left and went to the Cave of Adullam, where a band of soldiers began to rally around him and from which he emerged beginning to seek God (1 Samuel 22:3). The remaining chapters of 1 Samuel continue to descend ultimately to a stunning defeat when David's wife and daughters are captured, and at which:
1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
It was from this pit that God began to lift him up to reign over Israel. And it is for that reason, the pinnacle verse of this Psalm is an invitation for us to:
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