“I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who shall fulfill all My will.” —Acts 13:22

DAVID RUNS FROM KING SAUL

1) To the Priests in Nob
David lies to the High Priest that he’s on a mission for the king, asks for help and receives:
Food
A Weapon
Prophetic Direction
Doeg the Edomite sees David and tells Saul.

King Saul immediately sent for Ahimelech and all his family, who served as priests at Nob. “Why have you and the son of Jesse conspired against me? You will surely die, Ahimelech, along with your entire family!” the king shouted. Then the king said to Doeg, “You do it.” So Doeg the Edomite turned on them and killed them that day, eighty-five priests in all…Also Nob, the city of the priests, he struck with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, oxen and donkeys and sheep… —1 Samuel 22

When David lied…
Disaster followed.
He saw how weak and fearful he was.
He saw how faithful God was to deliver him.

“I’m going to help you settle these issues now, so that you don’t trust yourself and make bad decisions later when the stakes are so much higher. I want you to be assured that when everything’s looking as bad as it can get, sooner or later I will break through and deliver you.” —God

2) To the Philistines in Gath
David thinks he can hide among the enemy, but fear overwhelms him.

David was very afraid of what King Achish of Gath might do to him. So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard. Finally, King Achish said to his men, “Must you bring me a madman? We already have enough of them around here!” —1 Samuel 21:12-15

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall be continually in my mouth. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. God is near to those who have a broken heart…and He saves those who are crushed in spirit (contrite in heart, truly sorry for their sin). —Psalm 34:1,3,4,18
A broken and a contrite heart, these, O God, You will not despise. —Psalm 51:17

WHAT DAVID LEARNED IN CRISIS

No situation is big enough or sin dark enough to stop me.
I can always get back in right relationship with God.
I can always connect with God & experience Him like I did in the beginning.

Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. Then I pray to You, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.” —Psalm 142:3-5

Discussion Questions
1. When you face a crisis, in what ways is your response shaped by your fear? In what ways is it shaped by your trust in God?