ICS Daily Devotions
Be Proactive in Seeking the Will of God
Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 (NKJV) For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
As we read in 1 Samuel 22, when David’s family heard that he was hiding in the cave of Adullam, they came to him, not just to hide from King Saul but also to bring comfort and support to David because Jewish families are very close knit.
There is a special comfort that is brought about by family members when we are stressed. The Bible tells us that our spouse is our helper, companion and someone who keeps us strong especially when we are connected with God together—a three-strand chord will not be easily broken. We will handle stress and face all circumstances as one flesh, and we have one purpose, goal and spirit. Therefore, we need to pull together and remember that we are in a covenant marriage relationship. We should share all our cares and worries so we can uphold each other in prayer, and be a source of strength and encouragement when we are going through our “cave of Adullam” experience.
God also allowed the 400 men who gathered around David to be a source of strength and encouragement to him. David did not become frustrated, angry or disillusioned with God, but continued to remain faithful and had the right attitude towards Him even in the worst of circumstances. David managed to recompose himself after he cried out to God, and he took comfort in the presence of the 400 men and his family members, and in the knowledge that Saul did not manage to kill them. God will bring good people to support and undergird us in prayer.
What happened next is a hallmark in the life of David, which was to seek the face of God regarding what he should do next.
Psalm 143:10 (NKJV) Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
Similarly, we are not supposed to stay in our “cave of Adullam” forever but we are to seek the will of God regarding what we should do as the head of the household or as a single who has authority over our own life. Seeking the will of God is a proactive step that needs to be done by the individual.
Not only did David not die in the cave, but he went on to do greater exploits for God after he sought the face of God. Neither will you continue to stay in your own “cave of Adullam” because the same God who led David will also lead you out in victory.
Sermon Series: Handling Stress- The Cav of Adullam
