Continuing to read of the life of David in 1 Samuel.
David killed Goliath, and enters full-time into the service of Saul's army. He is spending some time fighting and some time as a court musician.
Saul has hatred in his heart toward David, and in his spiritual condition, he tries to kill him. Not once, but several times.
"But one day when Saul was sitting at home, with spear in hand, the tormenting spirit from the LORD suddenly came upon him again. As David played his harp, Saul hurled his spear at David. But David dodged out of the way, and leaving the spear stuck in the wall, he fled and escaped into the night" 1 Sam 19:9-10 (NIV)
As I mentioned yesterday, David's life doesn't get any easier after killing the giant. Saul appears to have forgotten what David did for him and his country, he has become his enemy. Or really, he has sided with the enemy of David's soul.
Notice that Saul attacks David when he is living for God, following his leading and worshipping him. Yet, God has allowed the spear to be thrown.
But he did not allow the spear to hit its intended target, that's important to note. Even in the midst of this unwarranted attack, God is in control.
1 Samuel tells us he "escaped into the night," and that evening he wrote a song. The song was recorded for us as Psalm 59.
"My enemies come out at night,
snarling like vicious dogs
as they prowl the streets.
They scavenge for food
but go to sleep unsatisfied.
But as for me, I will sing about your power.
Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love.
For you have been my refuge,
a place of safety when I am in distress.
O my Strength, to you I sing praises,
for you, O God, are my refuge,
the God who shows me unfailing love." Psalm 59:14-17 (NIV)
What do we do when our lives are difficult? How do we react when we live for God, yet things don't go as we feel they should and the spears are flying at us?
David is not looking at his current circumstance and judging God. To him God has not changed, he is still "the God who shows me unfailing love."
