David could sense the guys were a little nervous
The cave they ventured further into was gigantic and dark. “It’s okay,” David assured them. “I’ve been in this cave a few times. I’ve had to rescue some of my sheep from in here.” He went on to say, “And, I can guarantee you there aren’t any lions or bears in here. I’ve killed them all!” Someone quipped, “Yeah, and now you can add a giant to the list.” They all laughed.
The men breathed a little easier. It wasn’t long before they were all asleep. They needed to rest. But David couldn’t sleep. His mind raced with all the horrible things King Saul had done and said to him. It was so confusing. David never meant anything to hurt, offend, or anger Saul. In fact, he loved Saul and his son Jonathan. But now Saul and his whole army were hunting him like animal.
The son of Jesse was branded an outlaw
“Those who hate me without cause are more than the hairs of my head.”
(Psalms 69:4)
David tossed and turned. He lay staring up at the torchlight reflections on roof of the cave. A song he had written in a cave came back to his memory…
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
(Psalm 27:1)
Then a couple more songs came to his mind. He began to sing them,
“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you…” (Psalm 56:3)
“My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth…” (Psalm 121:2)
The acoustics in the cave were amazing
David’s beautiful voice was now ringing through the cave. He was starting to feel better. The men were listening to their leader; they loved it when he sang.
Suddenly the torchlight was put out. The man on watch whispered loudly, “Quiet!” David worked his way over to the watchman’s post. The watchman pointed toward the entrance of the cave. There was someone there. Reflections off the armor gave away that it was soldier. David and his men watched as the man made his way into the cave and laid down. In a few moments they could hear him snoring.
They moved closer to the sleeping soldier. There was enough light coming from the cave’s entrance that they could make out the man’s clothing. They could tell by the colors of his garments and the ornate embellishments on his armor that this was no ordinary soldier. Then David spotted his sword. He knew who it was, and so did all of the men who were with him.
“Slit his throat!” one of them said. David stood staring King Saul sleeping. He moved near him and pulled his knife out of the sheave. The men were thrilled as they expected to see Saul killed. But David cut off the corner of Saul’s robe.
The guys were totally confused. David quietly moved to the back of the cave. The men could hear him talking to himself.
“I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.”
(Psalm 23:4–5)
David knew God would help and protect him
This was not something he learned that moment, nor had it just occurred to him. He knew how God had watched over him in countless other dangerous situations, and knew He would watch over him now.
You might not be in a literal cave, but you feel surrounded by darkness. The enemy threatens from the shadows. Fear and confusion are growing. But the same God who protected David, and everyone else who has learned to trust Him, is with you and will never leave you!
So go ahead, give God praise! Do it out loud. Let it become a song. You’ll be amazed at the acoustics in your cave!
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