Promise Keeping in Hard Times

The life of (King) David illustrates the Christian life in many ways. 1 Samuel 23 shows us his life during a period of turmoil - like the believer waiting on Christ to give glory. It is a story of promises, and these shape our life. David had the personal promise of kingship and the general promise of salvation through the Messiah. A believer may think God has given them a personal promise - only to question it when trouble comes. But the general promise of salvation through Christ is written in the Bible so it is 100% sure. Even if personal experience is limited we can still claim the promise because we 'believe in the Lord Jesus Christ'. It is also a story of enemies. David's enemy was murderous and relentless. The believer contends with Satan, sin, and death, but hopes in the Lord nevertheless. It is a story of divine rescues. God rescued David many times till at last he could could look back on all his enemies as defeated (Psalm 18). The blood keeps on cleansing from sin; the word guides and the Spirit enables, while the church provides fellowship and discipline. Satan is strong but has no claim over the redeemed. Death is no longer a penalty but is now a 'sleep in Jesus'. And it is a story of faithfulness. God is faithful to all believers as he was to David. But it is also about our faithfulness to him. Like David, the believer acknowledges God in all his ways, receives his messengers and message, and continues to believe the divine promise. Maintaining faith in his word gives us strength to persevere; it also honours God, and that is as important as anything.