In 1 Samuel 22:1-2 we’re told that as David was finding refuge in a cave while being hunted down by King Saul to kill him. He was hiding there to get some relief from his exhaustion, discouragement, the pain of betrayal and probably fear. His days alone out in the fields as a shepherd protecting his sheep by killing a lion and bear, prepared him to kill Goliath. He knew what it was like to be overlooked by his own father forgetting he was out in the field when Samuel came to anoint the next King. He knew what it felt like to be humilated and taunted not only by Goliath but also by his own brothers! But was he prepared for this?
Now to top it all off, as he’s praying and seeking God in the cave; here comes his father and brothers, along with about 400 other men who were, get this, in distress, debt or discontented! Great, how many of us know when we’re feeling like David (tired, discouraged, betrayed and someone’s trying to destroy us) we need to be encouraged, not have a group of people come who are feeling the same way or worse than we are. But it tells us in verse 2 he became their leader and they became known as The Elite Three and Thirty-seven Mighty Men. Yes, you read that correctly and a brief story of their exploits can be found in 2 Samuel 23:8-39. Now you may be wondering how could that have happened. How could one man take a large group of rebels and downtrodden and turn them into an unstoppable force. The answer is found in 1 Samuel 17:32 David tells King Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine (Goliath), your servant will go and fight him.” Then David tells Goliath in verses 45 and 47 that he is coming against him in the Name of the Lord Almighty, God of the armies of Israel and that the battle isn’t his, it is the Lord’s. Did you notice that? David know it wasn’t him, it was God working through him that brings victory and success.
David relied on the Lord so much, that all the men who were with him were influenced by his love and devotion to God even in tough and perilous times. Many of the Psalms we love to read he wrote then read and sang to his men. They were encouraged and strengthened by learning where David was receiving his strength from, the Lord alone. David singing and praising God no matter what opened hearts and minds to God and they learned that they could break through the lids of distress, debt and discontent. How about you? Are you going through a difficult time? Does it seem like the bottom is falling out of your life? Is a relationship strained or lost? Or perhaps life is going along wonderfully. Whatever you are facing good or bad circumstances, it’s always good to praise the Lord. Try it, you will be amazed at how it helps you break through whatever lids you may be find are holding you back.
I encourage you to read the Psalms, here’s a good place to start: If things are good, Ps 100, 103 if having a difficult time, Psalm 23, 31, 32 or 34
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
He rescues them from all their troubles.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
The righteous person faces many troubles,
but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.
Psalm 34:17-19