1 Samuel 23:1-29 | Food for Thought

 

1 Samuel 23:1-29

Food for Thought:

  • Asking before Acting. While David and his men are hiding out, they hear that the Philistines are busy fighting on another front. It’s the perfect opportunity to launch an attack on the Philistines while coming to the aid of the town they were raiding (Keilah). However, before he launches an attack, David seeks the Lord’s guidance. This is a theme that happens a few times in our passage.

    • How inclined are you to pray before you act? The last time you had to make a big decision, how did you go about making it? Who / what was involved?

      • How active is the Lord’s counsel in your decision making? What does that look like?

    • Consider the scope of the whole passage. What all does David seek the Lord’s counsel for?

      • What does it tell you about David that he even thought to ask the Lord about those things? What kind of guy / leader is he? What does he value?

      • Do you want to be that kind of person? What would that look like in your life? What keeps you from being that person?

  • Assurance to Act. David seeks assurance from the Lord for his concerns and for his people’s fears. When the Lord promises a victory (whether it’s for David or Saul), David’s uses the clear words from the Lord to act - not out of fear, but based on truth.

    • Are you trying to make a decision / waiting for a “sign from the Lord” currently? What would that look like? How would you know it’s the Lord?

    • David didn’t have to ask for Jonathan to show up; he just suddenly arrived to bring some encouragement to David! What does Jonathan tell David?

      • How would that specifically encourage David, given his predicament?

    • The Lord doesn’t always give us specific answers to each of our questions. BUT… Jesus has arrived in our lives before we ever even asked. How are his encouragements, his promises about the future, and the covenant he makes between the Lord and us the assurance we need to help us navigate our current circumstances?

      • If you never hear a clear answer to your requests, how is the gospel sufficient for you to act in peace?

 
1 SamuelScott O'Donohoe