When danger chases after you, do you get angry, give up or fight it? When things don’t go your way, do you run hoping the grass is greener on the other side? In 1 Sam. 23, we learn from David’s experiences with Saul about specific strategies in protecting yourself from danger. Instead of defeat, become an overcomer. Although specific prayer provides a foundation, other people, your own thinking and God’s sovereignty work together in helping you overcome danger and stress.
David learned Philistines were fighting Keilah and plundering threshing floors. David asked the Lord if he should go and attack the Philistines. The Lord said to attack the Philistines and deliver Keilah. David’s men said they were afraid in Judah. Then David inquired once more and the Lord answered, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” David and his men struck them with a great slaughter and delivered Keilah (1 Sam. 23:1-6). God gives specific strategies in answer to prayer in the midst of danger.
Abiathar the son of Ahimelech came down with the ephod in his hand. Saul summoned all the people to wage war against David in Keilah. He knew Saul was plotting evil against him and asked Abiathar the priest to the bring the ephod. David asked God if Saul would come to the city and whether Keilah would surrender him into his hand. After asking a second time, God said they would surrender him. David and his 600 men departed and he stayed in the wilderness in the strongholds as Saul sought him everyday but God did not deliver him into his hand. (1 Sam. 23:7-14). God provides wisdom in answer to specific prayer so you are protected from evil.
When David became aware that Saul was seeking his life, Jonathan encouraged him in God by saying not to be afraid as Saul wouldn’t find him and he would eventually become king with Jonathan next to him. The two of them made a covenant before the Lord (1 Sam. 23:15-18). God uses accountability partners to encourage you during times of danger and stress.
The Ziphites suggested to Saul that David was hiding with them in strongholds at Horesh. Saul asked for verification of David’s hiding place before he would go with them since he was aware of his cunning ways (1 Sam. 23:19-23). God uses sanctified and shrewd thinking for protection.
When Saul and his men went to find David, he stayed in the wilderness of Maon after being told of their search. Saul pursued him on one side of the mountain and David and his men stayed on the other side. A messenger came to Saul saying the Philistines made a raid on the land so he suspended his search of David. The place was called the Rock of Escape (1 Sam. 23:24-29). God sovereignly arranges circumstances for your protection.
Review the following strategies and ask how God wants you to apply them in your “dangerous” situation:
1. Ask God to show you how to respond in the situation.
2. Ask God for wisdom on how to be protected from evil.
3. Allow your accountability partner or friend to encourage you in times of danger.
4. Use sanctified and shrewd thinking to overcome danger.
5. Trust God’s sovereignty to arrange circumstances for your protection.
