1 Samuel 18-22: If God is for us, then who could ever be against us?

The following chapters cover Saul's ongoing pursuit of David. What may be perceived as a story centered around a hate-induced manhunt uncovers protection and justice. 

David was a man after the heart of the Lord, while Saul was a man after his own heart. Saul cared more about the approval of others, which made him envious of secure people like David. He craved control and notoriety, while David prioritized peace, courage, and God’s favor. Following the Lord is attractive to the outside world because we, as believers, assume a fruitfulness crafted by the Spirit alone. We are set apart in indescribable, inspiring ways. All glory to God for the constant upgrades and revamps to His very own creation!

“Saul was afraid of David, for the Lord was with David and had turned away from Saul” (18:12).

“David continued to succeed in everything he did, for the Lord was with him.” (18:14). 

“But all of Israel and Judah loved David because he was so successful at leading his troops into battle” (18:16). 

All of these things can be attributed to David’s reverence for our God. He was not a man divine on his own, but transformed for divine purposes through the works of God. Saul had no choice but to recognize this and grew more fearful of the Lord’s chosen leader, David. Saul hated David more than he loved God, viewing David as an enemy as David’s popularity and achievements increased. 

David remained obedient in his role as Saul’s second hand during this time. He returned after Saul tried to harm him for the very first time because his faith in the Lord was greater than his fear of Saul. There was a job to be done and experience to be gained, which David presumed the positioning of dutifully. Nothing can interrupt the Lord’s purpose for us. 

When it is time, God makes a way. (Ecclesiastes 3:11). 

Saul’s son, Jonathan, aided in David’s eventual escape. They had the same heart for the Lord as described in 1 Samuel 18:3 and again in 20:17, “because Jonathan loved David as much as himself.” Part of God’s security for His children is ensuring we are never truly isolated, especially when evading predators. Jonathan served as a friend and shared wisdom with David. How else could the son of David’s enemy become a pal except by the power of God? Another example of righteous companionship is in chapter 19, when David desperately sought counsel from Samuel. Samuel presented comfort and guidance necessary for preservation. There are hints of God stitched into every environment we enter. We are never left to falter or flail. And, if we look closely enough, we may find godly friends and mentors planted in our paths when we need them the most. 

Saul, however, was vulnerable. He was removed from God’s presence and thus was tormented by evil forces. Observing this blood thirsty behavior from his father, Jonathan was disappointed and disgusted. He was intent on distancing himself to act ethically for those with similar moral codes. An act that would impact the directions of two genealogies. 

David and Jonathan crafted a plan for David to decipher his next move: to remain or run. An unknowing young man would retrieve Jonathan’s arrows that he shot into an open field. The direction he would run would symbolize David’s course of action. “Start running…the arrow is still ahead of you,” bellowed Jonathan to the boy as he ran past a nearby hidden David, alerting him that he was to put space between himself and Saul (20:36-39). What seemed small prompted a huge, life-altering moment in David’s life. We receive signs from participants who don’t realize they are vehicles of an important message. Even more, we receive signs in unexpected ways. An overshot arrow urged David to end his relationship with Saul for good. That’s what’s incredible about God: we don’t always need to have every meticulous detail sorted to take the leap or make a change. It also isn’t always about rationale. When He wants us to move, we need to take the ordered steps towards His greater calling, which lies ahead of us. 

David sought refuge in different villages, fields, and caves. When word got back to Saul, he ordered that priests affiliated with David be murdered for potentially conspiring against him. Saul had officially lost it. A son of one of the priests escaped to find David. He was met with honor and selflessness. David boldly proclaimed, “Stay here with me, and don’t be afraid. I will protect you with my own life, for the same person wants to kill us both” (1 Sam 22:23). I hope to remember there are other Christ-feuled believers who may find themselves disheartened in the face of our adversities. We are to work together for our greater good.

David’s story will not end with him as a coward who went into hiding, but as a man who believes in God. A man who would not surrender to fear or violence. Because of this, God will redeem and restore him into a kingdom. God’s chosen people always appear to be in the midst of a bleak situation right before something miraculous occurs. The story of David is important because he brings us closer to the eventual arrival of Jesus. 

There were at least nine attempts on David’s life by Saul in various ways. None were effective. Why? Because of Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” This is God’s inheritance for us. 

We have protection in warding off threats and accusations. 

We are never forsaken or neglected. 

When threatened, we are planted in victory. 

Up close, personal conflicts seem disastrous. It is not until we follow God out of the situation that we experience spiritual clarity, necessitating wisdom. He employs every piece of our lives to a greater narrative. 

God compassionately calls for us to acquire a sound mind, love, stability, and safety. May we claim it irrefutably, no matter who or what the persecutor may be. 

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Gratitude List:

• Getting back into reading. I am ahead of my 1 book/week goal, having completed 4 books so far. I've missed it! With that said, I am also thankful for bookstore trips to get my hands on physical copies in this digital world.

• New genre recommendations. I've received so many great recs from fellow readers. I think talking about books may be my new love language?

• Inspiring Barry to open a book: his goal is 3 books before the end of the year. I think we can manage this!

• A bare, but cozy home after stripping the holiday decor. I feel as though I can breathe a bit easier now that I have to maintain such simplicity.

• New stages for our mini bestie: speed crawling around the house, chasing down the dogs, standing up and taking a step or two, theatrical expressions, volumes, and hand gestures during a babble session, desiring all food in sight (we don't want a picky eater around here!), noticing more teeth, hair growth to shush the bald man jokes, his growing extravertedness, and walks in his buggy as he tries to speed around and feel the breeze flow through his three strands of hair. Love this boy infinitely!

• Newness. I have never agreed with the "New year, new me" fad, where we feel the need to abruptly introduce 30 new habits for the first month of the year, but I have been excited for what seems to be a fresh start, a new season, and all that may come with it. 2026 has brought me a greater sense of hopefulness and peacefulness.

• Sports events and reunions with old friends.

• Family and friends who put in the effort that makes you feel valued.

• Being 1 month closer to my breastfeeding end date.

• Worship and fellowship.

• Watching friends bring passions to life through their artistic abilities.

• A lucrative Patriot season.