I Samuel 26:2
“So Saul, accompanied by three thousand chosen men of Israel, went down to the Wilderness of Ziph to search for David there.”
This is bad news for David. The crazy thing is that it was just a chapter ago when David spared Saul's life and pointed it out to all. Saul admitted to being wrong and called David his son. Now here we are with Saul pursuing his evil intention once more. He's crazy.
David continued to do the right thing. He's walking with the Lord and checking in with his conscience as to whether God is trying to speak to him. He is practicing the fear of the Lord. God honors David with guidance, protection and peace. The last time when Saul was closing in on David, an emergency occured that Saul had to respond to. God spared David.
Saul had to see that he is not acting according to God's plan, yet he clings to his ways. Yes, he has the kingdom, but we've seen that he is tormented by evil spirits. He's in a plush palace with all deferring to him, but he's miserable, because he's not at peace. He'd be better off being poor, eating vegetables and being at peace with God. Proverbs 15:15b says, "the cheerful in heart has a continual feast." The joy that God gives is so fulfilling that it is better than riches.
David knows God has him in His protective hand. Psalm 23 says, "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with me." Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Him."
Why does God allow this? We can't say for sure, but the Lord is building trust in David. Saul was exalted to the throne quickly and fell from God just as quickly. Maybe this persecution from Saul is building trust and godly reliance in David.
The Lord doesn't waste our trials either. God is skilled at recycling. He uses every bit of our difficulty and sorrow. We don't know how, but all of our tears are held in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). He feels our pain when in difficulty and if we allow Him, can use our tough times for good. "We are His workmanship created for good works in Christ...", (Ephesians 2:10). It's like a construction site. It can be a mess, but soon it comes together to be something good and purposeful. At times we can be down or worse. These are the dark valleys. The Lord makes the road ascend to where we are at a high, good place.
His deliverance and joy give such hope. As we sense ourselves going into a tough time we know it won't end there. We know we'll come out better. David knew this well. He was probably frightened when he heard of 3000 men on the search for him. But he knows God loves him. He was able to defeat the bear, the lion and Goliath. He also knows that God wants him to be king. He will make it through somehow. He has hope. Just like Abraham had the promise of a son, so David had his promise. The Lord promises us to deliver us, to help our fears and sorrows and to make something beautiful out of our lives.
What an awesome thing to know that God cares for us. We've all felt left out and uncared for. That grieves His heart. Even though we've been neglected by people, God cares.
Lord, thank You for all Your great promises. We know You'll do good with us. Even though we won't be spared the dark valleys. You do so to make us better. Thank You for being there for us.