One single Verse today …

“And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.” 1 Samuel 23:14

Living in the desert (the word “wilderness” is “midbar” and is translated “desert” 13 times in the Old Testament) David would have managed without any of the normal conveniences of life, even for that ancient age.

Spartan existence!

Add “six hundred men” accompanying him wherever he went (1 Samuel 23:13) and the pressure would be all the greater!

The noun “strong holds” in our Verse is indicative of any “hiding place” from encroaching danger.

Even the verb “abide” (“yashab”) means to inhabit a place consistently, for some duration of time.

Lasting pressure! Sustained stress!

The add Saul to the situation. Now intent on murdering David, the King had his assassins looking for the young Psalmist of Israel every single day. Danger indeed!

How did the young man live under such duress?

He learned, in a fresher and stronger way, to trust in the Lord!

To write Lines like this … “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalm 56:3

But somehow, against all human logic, David survived!

How?

Because God protected Israel’s next King!

Read this again … “And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.”

The verb “delivered” is “nathan,” God did not “give” David to Saul!

God’s clear Hand of Protection!

David, pen in hand, again … “The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7

Dear reader here today, this is the same Lord Who is protecting you as well!\

Bless His Good Name!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

.