I Samuel 23:3
‘But David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are fearful here in Judah. How much more then if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”’
This is an interesting study in two people, David and Saul. David hears the concern of the people and he goes to God in prayer. Saul heard the complaint of the people and it caused him to sin, twice. The first occasion is when Samuel was late, so Saul took on the role of the priest and gave sacrifices. The second was when he kept the sheep when he was told to utterly destroy all. This second occurrence caused him to lose his job as king.
How do we respond to people's concern (or complaint)? It shouldn't sway us in a way that compromises our faith.
I understand peer pressure. It's very difficult to go against the crowd. Proverbs says, "The fear of man is a snare, but those who trust in the Lord are set securely on high", (25:29). Both individuals feel the pressure, but the believer has someone else to fear, the Lord. Luke 12:5 says, "But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him."
The fear of man is a snare. How so? Several reasons. That person isn't in control, but the audience or whoever he acquiences to. It's a miserable existence. There may be many voices. The person can't focus. The concern is on the crowd. Frustrating.
Contrast this to the one who fears the Lord. Yes, it's not just the individual who is giving orders, but God gives the person respect and honor. We give God the glory, but He often honors us. I've heard it said, "The Holy Spirit is a gentleman." While He is much more than that, the idea is that God won't seek to embarrass or stress us out. That's exactly what happens to the one who fears man.
It's important to hear the concern of the people. It should drive us to prayer. God wants to carry that burden, (Matthew 11:28-30). It's too much. Saul crumbled under the crushing weight, while David brought it to God. He had to do it two times. The Lord didn't have a problem with the second ask. David was rebounding from the slaughter of the priests.
David was shaken. It may have felt good to get back into action. It's been said that a great way to beat depression is to get back in the saddle. It gives us purpose. It may be that the Lord provides this for David for that very purpose.
It's still a strange thing that David is acting as king, even though he has no castle. King Saul is occupying his time trying to hold on to the throne. He's too distracted to attend to the kingly duties. David has years to go until he lives in the king's residence. In the mean time, he doesn't live with his wife and worries about his family.
Lord, thank You for the example of David. He feared You. You use him and bless him. Help us to fear You as well.