HIGHLIGHTS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE MESSAGE
- When we feel angry, isolated, or afraid, God’s ways often seem irrelevant or unappealing, causing us to take matters into our own hands.
- David’s story demonstrates how these emotions led him to abandon his trust in God, resulting in disastrous consequences.
- Even our greatest spiritual heroes have moments of panic that lead to regrettable decisions when they forget God is with them.
CONVERSATION STARTER
When have you witnessed someone else make a poor decision because they were afraid, angry, or isolated? What did you observe about their thought process?
EXPLORING THE SCRIPTURE
Main Scripture: 1 Samuel 21 & 22
- Click here for a brief summary on 1 Samuel.
Following David’s slaying of Goliath in 1 Samuel 17, Saul continues in a downward spiral of paranoia and sin. Consider the actions of Saul in chapters 18-22:
- Read 1 Samuel 18:8-9, 12, 15-16, and 28-29. What are the various emotions that Saul experiences within these verses?
- Now read 1 Samuel 18:17, 25, 1 Samuel 19:1, 10-11, and 1 Samuel 20:30-33. How do Saul’s emotions progress from inward feelings into outward sin? What does this teach us about the progression of unchecked emotions and the potential for sin when we attempt to take matters into our own hands?
No matter how many times truth was spoken to Saul (1 Samuel 19:4–5 and 1 Samuel 22:14–15), he disregarded it because he served himself and not the Lord (1 Samuel 16:14). He ignored logic, reason, and truth, and gave way to his feelings which culminated in a heinous act of murder (1 Samuel 22:18–19).
- Acknowledging that Saul did not act in accordance with the Spirit because the spirit of God had departed from him, how can Saul’s refusal to listen to wise counsel still serve as a stern warning to us? Reference Proverbs 1:24–33.
- What does the Bible teach us regarding our emotions and our choices? Reference Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 16:32, and James 1:19–20.
As we study the life and trials of David, we see the ups and downs of his faith on display. Consider the actions of David in 1 Samuel 21–22… David continued to dig himself deeper and deeper with his lies to Ahimelech the priest (1 Samuel 21:2–6, 8). Reference Psalm 7:14–16.
- Have you ever done something similar? What were the results?
- What are the correct steps to take when we begin down a path we know isn’t God’s plan or way?
Consider the actions of David in 1 Samuel 21–22… notice the sword David took from Ahimelech in 1 Samuel 21:9.
- Why did David even want a sword to begin with and what does that desire alone show us about his current state?
- What does the sword represent and what does it remind us of regarding David’s past character and faith? Go back to 1 Samuel 17:47 and note the significant difference from then to now.
Consider the actions of David in 1 Samuel 21–22… It’s easy for us to judge David from a distance, but the truth of the matter was that he was in fact in real and intense danger.
- What emotions do you think prompted him to run and hide in the very city where Goliath had lived (possessing the huge sword of Goliath nonetheless) and then proceed to pretend he was insane (1 Samuel 21:10–15)?
Read David’s reaction to hearing that his lies inadvertently caused the deaths of so many un-involved people (1 Samuel 22:21–23).
- Often, when we are acting out of fear, anger, or isolation, we don’t realize that our hasty actions can negatively impact those around us. How does our sin radiate out and affect others and what is it so important to be mindful of how our actions can hurt not just ourselves but those around us as well?
- How does living in community with other believers help alleviate fear, anger, and panic?
Do you see similarities in Saul’s panicked actions within these few chapters and David’s panicked actions within these few chapters?
- Compare and contrast their positions and choices.
- What caused them both to behave in such ways? What is the main difference between the two in the end?
- David wrote both Psalm 56 and Psalm 34 directly referencing his experience of being arrested in Gath and brought before the king (1 Samuel 21:12–13). What do his words tell us about the state of his heart during this time despite his poor choices and failures?
GROUP DISCUSSION
Like David, have you ever found yourself in a condition of anger, isolation, and fear?
- What led you to be in that position and how did these emotions affect your ability to make sound, godly judgments? What was the end result?
- Do you tend to gravitate towards one of these three emotions above the others? Which one? How can recognizing your personal tendencies aid in curbing them in the future?
- What is it about these three emotions in particular that causes us to do things or respond in a way that we typically would not?
Do you think the praise and attention David received at such a young age (1 Samuel 18:6) affected his faith and trust in the Lord?
- When we experience a strong spiritual victory, how do we as ever-faulty humans have the potential to become overconfident in ourselves and in our own strength (Galatians 6:3, 2 Corinthians 3:5, and Proverbs 28:26)?
- How can we continually bring ourselves back to a place of humility and reliance in God and God alone? Reference Proverbs 16:3 and Psalm 37:5.
There is a stark contrast between the David who fought Goliath and the David who fled in fear from Saul, lied to the priest, and then pretended to be insane when brought before the king of Gath.
- What change in David’s life or perspective caused him to doubt God’s sovereignty?
- Have you ever been in a similar position where one moment you are strong and full of faith and the next your fear completely takes over?
- How does Satan use our anger, fear, and isolation to pull us away from God? (1 Peter 5:8–9)
- At this point in your life, which version of David can you relate with most and why?
When we need God most, why is it these times that we often choose to lean away from Him and head in our own direction?
- Why are we tempted to run away rather than run to God and which of these two options do you tend to do more often than not?
- How do we respond when God’s providence seems to contradict His promises? Why will taking matters into our own hands always reap failure in the end? Reference Proverbs 14:12 and Proverbs 26:12.
- What is the solution to this problem and why is it both simple and complex? Reference Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 40:1–2, and Psalm 86:11.
We can easily look at David’s situation in these chapters and know what he should have done. But it is much more difficult to see when we are the ones in the thick of it.
- Based on the fact that it is usually easier to see other’s situations with more spiritual clarity than our own, what can and should we do when we find ourselves unsure of what to do next? Reference Proverbs 12:15 and Proverbs 19:20.
- Do you have someone in your life right now who can provide you with godly counsel? Are you that someone for anyone else (Proverbs 27:17)?
LIVING IT OUT
Take an honest look at yourself: What are your isolation, anger, or fear prompting you to consider that you know you shouldn’t?
As you reflect on your life, ask yourself where you’re currently placing your confidence. Is it fully in God, or are you compartmentalizing your life—trusting Him with some areas but handling others on your own? Can you genuinely say that the Lord alone is your strength and refuge?
Consider David’s words in Psalm 9:9-10 and Jesus’s invitation in Matthew 11:28-29. Remind yourself who is ultimately in control and in whom we can always place our trust. Though we may face affliction or persecution, we are never forsaken or destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
Whatever it is you are facing today, pray that God would give you the confidence to run towards Him instead of away from Him.
PRAYER
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? — Psalm 56:3–4
We all face moments of fear, but like David, we can find comfort in the words of this Psalm. Even when our poor choices leave us feeling isolated, angry, or afraid, we can always turn back to God and place our trust in Him because He is full of grace. Are you in a place like this? Take a moment to pray, asking God for forgiveness, restoration, and a renewal of your faith. Remember, He is the restorer of our souls, (Psalm 23:3).
Interested in praying with and for others. Learn more by reaching out to us through prayer@nwbible.org.