David is on the run again! Instead of Saul out to kill him, it is his son Absalom. Absalom has stolen the hearts of many people. He marched on Jerusalem with Israel’s army and took over the king’s house. David has fled his beloved city; he will now spend the night in the wilderness with a small group that has not sided with the insurrection. He hasn’t had to do this in a long time! No doubt, this has brought back many troubling thoughts and feelings from the trauma of those years on the run from Saul (Psalm 13:1–4).
Yes, this was a devastating time for David. In Psalm 4:2, he speaks of his reputation being ruined. According to Psalm 12:2–4, lies permeate the kingdom; no one can be trusted. People feign allegiance depending on the situation (Psalm 28:3). David is also troubled by the indifference of many towards what is right and towards what God had done in choosing and raising him to be king (Psalm 28:5). On top of this, David laments that some of his closest friends had turned on him. Notice the anguish of betrayal in David’s voice as he talks about Ahithophel.
For it is not an enemy who taunts me— then I could bear it; it is not an adversary who deals insolently with me— then I could hide from him. But it is you, a man, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend. We used to take sweet counsel together; within God’s house we walked in the throng. (Psalm 55:12–14, ESV)
Wow! David is overwhelmed by the devastation of his situation. Notice how David describes it in Psalm 55:4–6.
My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! (Psalm 55:4–6, NLT)
So what does David do? What can he do? David went to God! When people turned on him, when his closest friends betrayed him, when forced from his home and its comforts and familiarity, with his son out to kill, what does David find in God? The theme David keeps coming back to in our devotional reading this morning is that God is his shield and strength (Psalm 3:3; Psalm 28:7–8), a fortress in which he finds safety and rest (Psalm 3:5; Psalm 12:7–8; Psalm 55:18). As David encourages himself in the Lord, a remarkable calm settles over him. David writes in two places in our reading that he could lie down and sleep through the night though the enemy was bearing down on him in the wilderness.
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me. (Psalm 3:5, KJV)
Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:7–8, KJV)
Maybe you are in the midst of a devastating life situation. Perhaps some or all of these things describe your soul. What can you do? You can go to God! He will be your faithful friend who will never betray you, lie about you, or forsake you. He will be your strong fortress where you will find refuge, strength, and calm. He will take you through the trouble.
What is David’s advice for us in times like these?
Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (Psalm 55:22, NLT)
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 3-4; 12-13; 28; 55.