The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:17-18

 

David at Adullam

All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.

1 Samuel 22:2

As Saul’s jealousy, anger and hatred against David increased, David was forced to flee for his life and took refuge at the cave of Adullam. His family and close supporters followed him and he soon became the commander of around four hundred men. His followers, however, consisted of three groups of people; those who were distressed, in debt or discontented.

 

What would our reaction be if we were asked to lead a group of such people? When the Lord calls us for a purpose, He will provide us with fellow workers who will support us in achieving His goal. In all circumstances, we must seek to know His will and thank the Lord for His provision, regardless of what is seen in the natural.

 

David’s followers came to him for protection and training, no longer wanting to live under Saul’s rule. All of them had to make a choice, to lay down their past and move on with their new identity.

Are we also able to make such a choice? Can we leave our past behind and follow the Lord, to trust that He will protect us and train us as soldiers, living for the Lord? The four hundred men were able to live together, sharing whatever they had. United, they became a strong team. This is a challenge for us to follow in our churches today.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and for being my strength whenever I have been in a cave situation. I choose to lay down my past and follow You, as did the men of David. Amen.

Theo and Manju