Saul’s jealousy continues to rage! David is on the run! He is hiding in caves and among the rocks of the wilderness. What happened to David’s being anointed king of Israel? Where is Samuel? Where is God? This doesn’t make sense! Was David’s anointing just a dream at one time, or was it real? How is this supposed to work out? Amid this high-stakes cat-and-mouse game, notice what the Bible says about God.
And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand. (1 Samuel 23:14, ESV)
While God protected David during this trying and exhausting time, notice some encouraging words from a good friend…
Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. (1 Samuel 23:16, NLT)
What a true friend! What was the effect of Jonathan’s words? They were a breath of fresh air!
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel. (Proverbs 27:9, KJV)
Undoubtedly, David is struggling with the idea of being the anointed king of Israel. Things don’t look good. It all looks impossible. His kingship is so far off in the distance, and there is so much ground to make up, but he is exhausted. He is losing heart. He is losing faith. But a friend seeks him out. A friend takes the initiative. A friend comes to him. A friend strengthens his faith in God. A friend makes a big difference in his life.
True Christian friendship is a ministry according to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. It is a ministry of comforting and strengthening one another in our faith in God. Is there someone around us that we can show true friendship to, encouraging their faith in the Lord? It might feel awkward to seek them out, take the initiative, and encourage them, but they need it. We need it. As we get our eyes off of our situations and on the needs of others, how blessed we become! Be a friend! Be a strengthening friend!
Thank you for joining with me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from 1 Samuel 21:1-24:22.