Day 129 – Saul Attacks David

• In yesterday’s passage, Saul tried to kill David in an indirect fashion, by giving him a tough task of defeating a number of Philistines. In 1 Samuel 19:1 today, Saul isn’t even trying to conceal his desire to see David dead, is he?
• What warning did Jonathan give David as the passage opens? How might Jonathan have felt, with David as his friend and Saul as his dad?
• Saul promised to save David in 1 Samuel 19:6. Count how many verses it is until he tried to kill him again!
• How did Michal, David’s wife, help David? Can you remember how she was related to Saul too? The manner in which she faked David’s body in the bed seems like it came straight out of a comic book, doesn’t it? How do you think Michal must have been feeling whilst she let David escape, and as Saul challenged her later?
• Once David fled, Saul sent soldiers to find and kill him. What happened?
• When Saul went out to find David himself, what happened? How did God thwart – and in some ways humiliate – Saul’s plans in 1 Samuel 19:23-24?
• Think what David must have been feeling at this time. You’ve served the king faithfully and won many battles for him. Now you’re being hunted because the king is jealous of your victories. David wrote Psalm 59 around the time of these events. You might want to read it again whilst imagining David hiding from the king’s warriors. Does it make the words more real now?
• Where does David put his trust, security and hope in Psalm 59 (and the verses we read in Psalm 56)? What comfort does David have even if he is physically hurt or killed?
• Write out Psalm 56:3-4 and try to memorise it. What wonderful words of comfort they are, if you truly trust in them! Look at verse 3 really carefully. Go on – do it! Can you read these words and say them out loud with a truthful heart? I really hope you can!

David was attacked and chased by a pretty determined Saul today, wasn’t he?

As Christians, we have to stand up to many people who will try and attack us for our faith in God. Some may attack you from a scientific, logical standpoint, suggesting that science has proved God as a stone-age irrelevance. Some may challenge you as being brainwashed and weak-minded, not knowing that we are carefully and studiously studying God’s Word with intelligent minds. Others will dismiss you, or Christianity, based on the unpopular messages that the Bible has to share on topics such as abortion or marriage.

I’m sure you can think of other examples.

Today’s psalms, and the historical passages of 1 Samuel, remind us that this is nothing new. Throughout the ages, Jews (and now Christians too) have been attacked (whether physically or verbally) for their faith. I’m sure in many small ways you feel this pressure from your friends.

Whether it’s the words of Psalm 56, or perhaps the reminder of God’s awesome majesty in Psalm 59:16, my personal favourite verse today, I want you to feel encouraged and built up by today’s passages. With God by your side, as Romans 8:31 also beautifully reminds us, how can anything or anyone ever derail you?

Attacks on your faith in the UK are, mercifully, limited. That doesn’t mean that they’re not nice when they come. You can feel battered and bruised, or maybe rejected, when you stand up for God in areas of your life. If you do stand up for Him, however, then can I really give you all my support and encouragement. I know it’s not easy.

In the end, attacks will come and attacks will go, but the Word of God will stand forever. Never forget this wonderful truth!