I Samuel 20:1
Then David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and he came and said to Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my guilt? And what is my sin before your father, that he is seeking my life?”’
David was courageous beyond belief, so it's not common we see him fearful. We know that he was as the Psalms are a record of his inner life. They frequently display emotions that are difficult. Today's passage is one of them.
David shares this fear with Jonathon. Along with his fear, he tells of his lack of understanding, "What have I done?" He's in this frightful situation and he doesn't know why.
In David's mind he offers no threat at all. He's aware that God wants him to be king one day, but in the meantime he is supportive of Saul's rule. He obediently fights his battles as well as provides music for him.
Why does God allow these tough times? Paul had his own struggles. They were a great burden to him. Here's what 2 Corinthians 12:8 & 9 say, 'Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.' By Paul having this problem it kept him dependent on God, which maximized God's power in him. Without them arrogance would have grown and God's power and grace would have been limited.
So also without David's problem, his self confidence would have gotten in the way. It happened with Saul. He started off well. But in time, he stopped obeying the Lord and the result was losing his role as king. The Lord wanted David dependent on him.
He does so with us. We will have some problems that remain. They will have the same effect on us, to keep us close.
What's our attitude to be? Proverbs 3:11,12 says, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His rebuke, For whom the LORD loves He disciplines." Sure these times are tough, but see what's God's motive is.
We need to be patient and trusting in circumstances as well as our responses. We don't know what God is doing. Some problems are short lived, others are not. Of course we do what we can to resolve them. With our efforts we trust Him for the results. Some times there's a resolution, other times not.
Proverbs 3:5,6 should be our practice, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." Whatever He brings our way, we are to be thankful and trusting. Some days have sunshine, other days have rain. We can even praise Him in the storm.
Lord, thank You for using all things for our benefit. You genius and goodness follow us where ever we go. Thank You.