Compromise, independence and stress are modern-day issues that David also faced while being chased by Saul. What can we do to overcome these beasts that produce lies, attacks, chaos and lack of peace? We see the importance of relationships combin addition to obeying God’s word as solutions. Study 1 Sam. 21-22 to learn how obedience, prayer and confession of sin combined with community, friends and hospitality relieve stress, overcome independence and defeat compromise.
Compromise
David deceived Ahimelech, the priest, by saying the king commissioned him about an important matter requiring secrecy. When David asked for bread, his young men received consecrated bread (1 Sam. 21:1-6). Fear causes lies, deception and compromises your faith.
Independence
Doeg the Edomite, chief of Saul’s shepherds, was detained before the Lord. David asked Abimelech for a spear or sword since he brought neither. The priest offered Goliath’s sword, which David took (1 Sam. 21:7-9). Independence in not using God’s armor through prayer and His word allows the evil one to attack you and others.
Stress
David fled from Saul and went to Aschish king of Gath. When his servants said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands?”, David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish. He disguised his sanity and acted insanely in their hands (1 Sam. 21:10-15). Stress produces chaos, lack of peace and non-transparency.
Obedience and Community Relieve Stress
David escaped to the cave of Adullam and his family went down to him. Everyone in distress, debt and discontented gathered to David and he became captain over 400 men. David asked the king of Moab if his family could stay with him until he knew what God would do for him. The prophet of Gad said to David, “Do not stay in the stronghold; depart, and go into land of Judah.” David departed and went into the forest of Hereth (1 Sam. 22:1-5). Obedience to God’s direction and community relieve stress.
Prayer and Friends Overcome Independence
After David was discovered, Saul said to servants, “Hear now, O Benjamites. Will David give to all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds? Saul had self-pity that no one disclosed Jonathan’s plans in befriending David. Saul said everyone conspired against him by not disclosing to him that his son, Jonathan, had made a covenant with David so he could ambush Saul. Doeg said he saw David with Ahimelech who inquired of the Lord for him, gave him provisions and Goliath’s sword (1 Sam. 22:6-10). Friends protect you spiritually and physically with prayer and provisions to overcome independence.
Confession and Hospitality Defeat Compromise
Saul accused Ahimelech and David of conspiring together when he gave bread, a sword and inquired of God for him. When Saul’s guards didn’t kill Ahimelech and his father’s household, then Doeg the Edomite killed the priests, men, women, children, infants and animals. Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, told David that Saul killed the priests of the Lord. David confessed that he was responsible for these deaths and promised safety for Abiathar if he stayed with him (1 Sam. 22:11-23). Confession of sin, hospitality as a demonstration of love and community defeat compromise.
Which of compromise, independence and stress cause you the most problems? Study the solution in the above paragraphs and ask God for the victory.
