Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army. This pleased all the people, and Saul’s officers as well…David…escaped to the cave of Adullam… (1 Samuel 18:5, 22:1)
I call this week’s sermon, “In the Meantime.” David has been anointed as Israel’s next king, but he’s not on the throne yet. King Saul, who is initially thrilled with David’s successes, becomes jealous of David’s glory and begins to fear for his throne.
Saul turns on David. Then, within a span of a few very painful months, David loses everything. He loses his position, his wife, his mentor, his best friend, and ultimately his self-respect. He goes from living in a palace to hiding in a cave.
A crutch is a helpful tool used as a support when we need assistance. But there’s a secondary definition: Something a person uses too much for help or support.
God wants to be our main support structure. He says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Instead of turning to God for help, we often turn to other people or other things. What happens when those fail us…or disappear?
Despite his own failings in life, David really was a man after God’s heart. How do I know? At this low point in his young life, when all his support structures were kicked out from underneath him, here’s what he wrote: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” (Psalm 34:4–7)
If you ever feel you’re “in the meantime” …in-between…waiting…join us Sunday and we’ll talk!
