A while back, I was involved in a conversation about the present economic situation, and somebody rather humorously noted, that with its effect on pensions, none of us would be able to retire until we are well into our 80s, if at all. A sobering thought indeed! But then someone added, that there was no point in worrying, because, and I quote, ‘The Lord will provide’.

And of course that is true. The Lord will provide for his people (Gen. 22:14). I am reminded of David’s experience, whilst on the run from Saul. David and his men were living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, moving from one hiding place to another, trying to avoid Saul’s search parties. There were many close shaves. Many times when they escaped by the skin of their teeth. But what stands out about that period in David’s life, is the way that the Lord provided for his needs.

We see this in the events of 1 Samuel 23. David is on the run, but he receives a report that a Philistine raiding party is attacking the town of Keilah. So David seeks the Lord’s guidance, “Shall I go and smite these Philistines?” And the LORD said unto David, “Go, and smite the Philistines and save Keilah” (v. 2). Now David’s men are nervous, and understandably so. Coming to Keilah’s aid will certainly blow their cover, and in no time at all, Saul’s men will be breathing down their necks. So to reassure his men, David seeks further guidance from the Lord and receives it (v. 4).

But during this period in David’s life, the Lord doesn’t simply provide him with guidance, he also provides him with encouragement. Whilst David rescues Keilah, the people of that town can’t be trusted (v. 12), and it’s necessary for him to flee into the wilderness. Now Saul searches hard for him, but is unsuccessful (v. 14). But strangely, there is one person who does find David, and it’s Jonathan, who strengthens David’s hand in God (v. 16). Can you see what the Lord is doing? David must be desperately disappointed by Keilah’s treachery. He saves them from their enemies, but they betray him to his! So the Lord sends David a friend with words of encouragement. Listen to Jonathan, “Fear not, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee; and that also Saul my father knoweth” (v. 17).

So we have guidance and encouragement. But we also have deliverance. David suffers further treachery, this time at the hands of the Ziphites, who disclose his whereabouts to Saul (vv. 19-20). The king closes in on his prey, and we have this dramatic scene, where David is on one side of the mountain and Saul is on the other. But just when it looks as if David is about to be caught, a messenger arrives and tells Saul, “Haste thee, and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land” (v. 27). These must be some of the most unlikely saviours in biblical history! Philistines, unknowingly coming to David’s aid! But of course, we see the Lord’s hand in it all, and it is living proof of Rom. 8:28.

Friends, the economic situation may be bleak, and the future may be uncertain, but let us be mindful of David’s God, who so graciously provided for all his needs, sometimes in the most unexpected of ways. Let us remember that David’s God is also our God, and he will come to our aid and provide us with everything we need in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). Amen.

Rev. Andrew J. Lucas