I Samuel 27:12
‘So Achish believed David, saying, “He has undoubtedly made himself repulsive among his people Israel; therefore he will become my servant forever.”’
This was a tough time for David. He said himself that to be out of the land of Israel was to be ostracized from God and His people. While David knew that God was still with him and he knew that the people didn't despise him, it appeared that way to others.
One of the main themes of Proverbs is the fear of the Lord. This is what a child of God does. It basically means that we do what He says. To not do this would be frightful. We know the consequences and wouldn't want that. So, we do what He says. That is to fear the Lord.
David feared God. He knew from a young age God was the Lord and followed Him. We heard the stories of his fights against the predators and how he attributed the victory to God.
Look what God does to those that fear Him. David was chosen from amongst his impressive brethren to be king. He defeated Goliath and became a hero in the land. He wasn't on the throne. It was still held by the one who refused to abdicate it, Saul.
God had His reasons. Maybe God saw how Saul fell fast and didn't listen to Him. Samuel warned him, but he didn't change his ways. He feared the people more that God. Maybe the Lord was steeling David's resolve and trust in Him.
Many of God's leaders had time in the wilderness. Moses was one. Once a prince in Egypt, later his flock was his sheep. He was there forty years before God appeared to him in the burning bush. I'm sure he didn't expect much more than to be a shepherd. God would call him to be one of the greatest in Israel's history.
We will all have our wilderness times. God is with us. It doesn't mean we've done something wrong. He is deepening our character and our faith. We are His workmanship, His sculpture. They may be the times when the cuts are the deepest.
There is an end to these times. David and Moses came out like gold. His use of them was historical. He will do good things with us as well.
Lord, thank You that our times are in Your hands. You will work all for good. Thank You.