Not-So-Quiet-Time: 1 Samuel 23

At-Home Bible Guide for the Week of 8/30

Day 1: 1 Samuel 23:1-5
Even when his men were skeptical, David chose to do what God said to do. Even though he was in trouble, David chose to lead his men to rescue a city in trouble. Sometimes it is inconvenient and unpopular to do the right and obedient thing. David obeyed the clear word of God in that environment. Ask that God would help you to obey even when it is unpopular or inconvenient. 

Day 2: 1 Samuel 23:6-14
The previous passage showed us that David did what was right even though there was risk attached to it. Here we see that the people David saved were planning to betray him to Saul. This must have been disheartening. David’s good deeds were part of putting him and his men in a bad position. However, it is always right to obey the Lord. And we see in verse 14 that God continued to protect David and to guide his life. Praise God that He perfectly cares for his people as He directs our lives. 

Day 3: 1 Samuel 23:15-18
When things were at the lowest and David was discouraged, his friend—Jonathan—came to strengthen his hand in God (16). This is the gift of having godly friends. Saul had been enabled for greater evil by evil companions like Doag. David, in his time of need, was empowered for godliness by his godly friend Jonahthan. Who is someone in your life that strengthens your hand in God? And who is someone that you can encourage and build up in the Lord? God has given us our relationships so that we can encourage and be encouraged as we follow after Him.

Day 4: 1 Samuel 23:19-24
David’s people were teaming up against him. He had done nothing wrong, but there were still those volunteering to help bring him down. Saul told these people, “Take note of all the lurking places where he hides, and come back to me with sure information. Then I will go with you” (23). David had a real enemy and that made his life difficult. Today, we also have a real enemy: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet 5:8). But in the face of that enemy, just like David, we have a King that is on our side. Praise Him for protecting and leading you.

Day 5: 1 Samuel 23:25-29
Just as Saul was about to catch David, the evil king was called away. God, who is in control of all things and works them out for the good of his people, had orchestrated a conflict with the Philistines. David was unable to escape, but God is always able to rescue. This remains true for us as God’s people today. There are situations that are too big and too hard for us to overcome on our own, but praise God that we are not on our own. We have a Savior.

Catechism Connection: 26
Saul was the king, and as the ruler he was too strong for David. But there is a higher King and nothing can stop his plans. And his plans are for the good of those who belong to Him: “Christ carries out the office of a king in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies” (WSC 26). Not one of his, or our, enemies can stand.

Monthly Memory: John 3:3
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”