Originally posted: 12/08/2019
“Why are you alone and no one with you?” (21:1).
David is fleeing for his life now and when he comes to Nob, Ahimelech the priest is puzzled to find David there alone.
And it certainly appears David is alone, as if no one is with him. But once again, I cannot get past what I know is coming, how this story plays out. David will become king; and the Messiah will come from his royal line.
As I contemplated the priest’s question, I was both humbled and awestruck to realize I could see what the priest could not. David was not alone. The LORD was with him; He Was There; He Is Always There.
Consider Him Who Is Always There
Although David is running from danger, deceives a priest and ultimately ends up feigning madness before a pagan king, he is not alone.
Although fearful and perhaps perplexed how all this will lead to a throne, he knows he is not alone. He is convinced of God’s presence. David wrote Psalm 34 relating to this time in his life.
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him,
And rescues them. 8 O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:7-8).
The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry, (Psalm 34:15).
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted
And saves those who are crushed in spirit, (Psalm 34:18).
David knew he was not alone; though in need of rescue and refuge, though reduced to tears, brokenhearted and crushed in spirit, still he knew. He knew the only One he truly needed was there; He Is Always There.
We, like David, are not promised freedom from trials and difficulties, but we are promised He Will Always Be There.
“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;” (John 14:16).
…for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5).
How do we respond to Him Who Is Always There?
Let us learn from David.
Let us walk through our trials and difficulties in faith. Rather than allowing the trials to overwhelm us, let us be consumed by the amazing grace of Him Who Is Always There. And may our lives also become a wellspring of praise and humility to exalt Him at all times.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
The humble will hear it and rejoice.
3 O magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together, (Psalm 34:1-3).