Running from a King, But Running to the Lord: Trust in the Midst of Pursuit

Preliminary

We have been discussing the life of David - moving slower than I intended - but I have been learning alot and trust you have been too.

Tonight we have David running from a king - but running to the Lord - he is learning to trust God even in the midst of being pursued.

When Plans Fall Apart: Trusting God's Providence

Big Idea: In the midst of uncertainty and thwarted plans, we are invited to trust in the wise and sovereign hand of God, which works all things together for our good and His glory.

Reading 1 Sam 23:9-14

1 Samuel 23:9–14 KJV 1900

9 And David knew that Saul secretly practised mischief against him; and he said to Abiathar the priest, Bring hither the ephod. 10 Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy servant. And the Lord said, He will come down. 12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul? And the Lord said, They will deliver thee up. 13 Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went whithersoever they could go. And it was told Saul that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. 14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him not into his hand.

Introduction

Background: David is anointed as king, but Saul still reigns. David is on the run.

Tension: Human plans often collapse—betrayal, opposition, and fear abound.

Thesis: 1 Samuel 23 reveals how God’s providence prevails even when human strategies fail.

1. Pleading with Providence (1 Samuel 23:1–5)

David seeks the Lord’s guidance in rescuing Keilah.

A. Seeking God’s direction

David inquires of the Lord twice (vv. 2, 4).

Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord, not our own understanding.

B. Submitting to God’s wisdom

The men feared (v. 3), but David obeyed God’s word.

Psalm 25:4–5 – “Show me Your ways, O Lord.”

C. Succeeding through obedience

David defeats the Philistines (v. 5).

Lesson: Victory is found not in human plans but in faithful obedience.

2. Perils from People (1 Samuel 23:6–13)

God exposes Saul’s plans and Keilah’s coming betrayal.

A. God provides discernment

Abiathar brings the ephod (v. 6).

God reveals Saul’s plot (vv. 9–12).

B. People can disappoint us

The men of Keilah would betray David (v. 12).

Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the man who trusts in man.”

C. God protects His servant

David escapes before Saul arrives (v. 13).

Psalm 31:14–15 – “My times are in Your hand.”

3. Promises through Partnership (1 Samuel 23:14–18)

Jonathan strengthens David’s faith in God’s promises.

A. The gift of godly friendship

Jonathan seeks David out in the wilderness (v. 16).

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 – “Two are better than one.”

B. The assurance of God’s plan

Jonathan reminds David of God’s purpose (vv. 17–18).

Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good.

C. The foreshadowing of Christ

Jonathan points David to God’s faithfulness.

Jesus is the greater Friend (John 15:13–15) who secures our future.

4. Prevailing through Providence (1 Samuel 23:19–29)

God delivers David from Saul through unexpected intervention.

A. Betrayal from the Ziphites

The Ziphites conspire with Saul (vv. 19–20).

Psalm 54 (title connects to this betrayal).

B. Saul’s relentless pursuit

Saul almost captures David (vv. 25–26).

C. God’s providential rescue

A Philistine raid forces Saul to retreat (vv. 27–28).

Proverbs 21:30 – “No wisdom, no counsel can succeed against the Lord.”

D. Christ as our ultimate deliverance

Just as David was delivered from Saul, Jesus was delivered through the cross—not from it—securing salvation (Acts 2:23–24).

Conclusion

Summary: David’s plans faltered, people failed him, yet God’s providence prevailed.

Christ Connection: The cross looked like defeat but was God’s greatest victory.

Application:

Seek God in prayer when plans collapse.

Trust Him when people fail you.

Rest in His promises, knowing He is working for His glory and your good.

As we move into 1 Samuel 24

When the Walls Close In: Trusting God’s Plan in Trials

Text: 1 Samuel 24 Big Idea: In times of crisis, we can trust that God's hand is at work, guiding us toward His purpose even when our plans fall apart.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 24:4–12

1 Samuel 24:4–12 KJV 1900

4 And the men of David said unto him, Behold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, Behold, I will deliver thine enemy into thine hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off the skirt of Saul’s robe privily. 5 And it came to pass afterward, that David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt. 6 And he said unto his men, The Lord forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord. 7 So David stayed his servants with these words, and suffered them not to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and went on his way. 8 David also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saul, saying, My lord the king. And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth, and bowed himself. 9 And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? 10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the Lord had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed. 11 Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it. 12 The Lord judge between me and thee, and the Lord avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.

Introduction

Context: David is hunted by Saul, hiding in the wilderness. Saul enters the very cave where David is hiding.

Crisis moment: David could end his suffering by killing Saul, but he chooses trust over impulse.

Theme: This passage calls us to patience, integrity, and faith in God’s providence.

1. Providence in the Pursuer’s Cave (1 Samuel 24:1–4)

David encounters Saul in the most unlikely place—his enemy is delivered into his hands.

A. God’s providence in unexpected circumstances

Saul enters the cave where David is hiding (v. 3).

Proverbs 16:9 – “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”

B. Pressure to act outside of God’s timing

David’s men urge him to kill Saul (v. 4).

C. Choosing patience over presumption

David resists the temptation to seize control.

Isaiah 40:31 – Those who wait on the Lord renew their strength.

2. Preserve Integrity Over Impulse (1 Samuel 24:5–11)

David’s conscience restrains him from dishonoring God’s appointed king.

A. The restraint of a tender conscience

David’s heart smites him after cutting Saul’s robe (v. 5).

B. Integrity in the face of temptation

David refuses to harm “the Lord’s anointed” (vv. 6–7).

Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”

C. Integrity displayed publicly

David confronts Saul respectfully (vv. 8–11).

1 Peter 2:23 – Christ, when reviled, entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.

3. Proclaiming Divine Justice (1 Samuel 24:12–15)

David entrusts judgment to God rather than taking matters into his own hands.

A. God is the righteous Judge

David declares, “The Lord judge between me and you” (v. 12).

B. Refusing retaliation as an act of faith

“My hand shall not be against you” (vv. 12–13).

C. Confidence in God’s vindication

David’s prayer-like proclamation (v. 15).

Psalm 37:5–6 – Commit your way to the Lord, and He will bring forth your righteousness as the light.

4. Providence Sparks Repentance (1 Samuel 24:16–22)

David’s restraint awakens Saul to confession and momentary repentance.

A. God’s providence humbles the proud

Saul weeps and acknowledges David’s righteousness (vv. 16–17).

B. God uses integrity to influence others

Saul recognizes David’s future kingship (vv. 20–21).

C. Foreshadowing Christ’s mercy

Just as David spared Saul, Christ showed mercy to His enemies.

Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them…”

Conclusion

Summary: David trusted God’s timing, preserved integrity, proclaimed divine justice, and saw providence bring repentance.

Christ Connection: David points us to Jesus, who perfectly trusted God’s providence in His trials, choosing mercy and obedience at the cross.

Application:

When under pressure, seek God’s timing, not your own.

Live with integrity, even when shortcuts look easier.

Entrust your enemies and trials to God’s justice.

Trust that God is working even when the walls close in.

Would you like me to take this outline and expand it into a full manuscript with illustrations and transitions (ready-to-preach), or keep it in this structured teaching outline style for study/notes?

And then into 1 Sam 25

Perfect—1 Samuel 25 is such a rich narrative with theology and life application baked in. Here’s a full sermon outline on:

When Plans Fall Apart: Trusting God’s Providence

Text: 1 Samuel 25 Big Idea: Even when our plans and expectations fall apart, we can trust that God’s providence is at work, leading us to His intended purpose in our lives.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 25:23–35

1 Samuel 25:23–35 KJV 1900

23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, 24 And fell at his feet, and said, Upon me, my lord, upon me let this iniquity be: and let thine handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine audience, and hear the words of thine handmaid. 25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send. 26 Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, seeing the Lord hath withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and from avenging thyself with thine own hand, now let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my lord, be as Nabal. 27 And now this blessing which thine handmaid hath brought unto my lord, let it even be given unto the young men that follow my lord. 28 I pray thee, forgive the trespass of thine handmaid: for the Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house; because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, and evil hath not been found in thee all thy days. 29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to seek thy soul: but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of life with the Lord thy God; and the souls of thine enemies, them shall he sling out, as out of the middle of a sling. 30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord shall have done to my lord according to all the good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel; 31 That this shall be no grief unto thee, nor offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath avenged himself: but when the Lord shall have dealt well with my lord, then remember thine handmaid. 32 And David said to Abigail, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: 33 And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand. 34 For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and come to meet me, surely there had not been left unto Nabal by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall. 35 So David received of her hand that which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

Introduction

Context: David is still on the run from Saul, weary and vulnerable. Samuel dies (v. 1), leaving a spiritual void in Israel.

Scene: David requests provisions from Nabal, who responds with arrogance and insult.

Tension: David reacts in anger, ready to spill blood.

Theme: This story reminds us that when plans collapse, God’s providence intervenes through surprising people and situations.

1. David’s Desire for Revenge (1 Samuel 25:1–13)

David’s frustration shows how human impulses can cloud our trust in God’s providence.

A. Grief and pressure

Samuel’s death marks the end of an era (v. 1).

David’s spirit is unsettled.

B. Nabal’s arrogance

He mocks David, refusing his request (vv. 9–11).

Nabal’s name = “fool” (v. 25), reflecting his character.

C. David’s human reaction

Anger overtakes David (vv. 12–13).

Lesson: Like David, we are tempted to respond in revenge when plans fall apart.

James 1:19–20 – “The anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

2. Abigail’s Act of Wisdom (1 Samuel 25:14–31)

God’s providence works through the courage and wisdom of Abigail.

A. The voice of intercession

Abigail acts quickly and humbly (vv. 18–20).

Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath.”

B. The wisdom of perspective

She reminds David of his calling and future (vv. 28–30).

Psalm 37:8–9 – “Refrain from anger… those who wait on the Lord shall inherit the land.”

C. The foreshadowing of Christ

Abigail intercedes, bearing gifts and pleading for peace (vv. 23–24).

Christ intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5), turning away wrath and bringing reconciliation.

3. David’s Moment of Recognition (1 Samuel 25:32–44)

David humbly acknowledges God’s providence through Abigail’s intervention.

A. Recognizing God’s hand

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me!” (v. 32).

B. Releasing his own plans

David blesses Abigail for her discernment (v. 33).

He abandons his path of revenge, trusting God’s timing.

C. God’s providential justice

Nabal dies by God’s hand, not David’s (vv. 36–38).

Romans 12:19 – “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

D. Christ connection

Just as Abigail turned David from wrath, Christ turns us from destruction.

Ephesians 2:4–5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy… made us alive with Christ.”

Conclusion

Summary: David’s anger almost led to disaster, but God’s providence intervened through Abigail’s wisdom, preserving David’s calling.

Christ Connection: Abigail foreshadows Christ, our mediator, who intercedes and rescues us from wrath.

Application:

When anger tempts you, pause and seek God’s perspective.

Recognize and receive God’s providence through wise counsel.

Trust God’s justice instead of forcing your own solutions.

Rest in Christ, our greater Abigail, who turns chaos into peace and guides us to God’s perfect plan.

We see in 1 Samuel 26

The Hidden Hand: A Divine Plot in the Shadows

Text: 1 Samuel 26 Big Idea: Trusting God's providence means recognizing His control and presence in our lives, especially when our plans falter or are threatened.

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 26:7–12

1 Samuel 26:7–12 KJV 1900

7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him. 8 Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time. 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless? 10 David said furthermore, As the Lord liveth, the Lord shall smite him; or his day shall come to die; or he shall descend into battle, and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. 12 So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul’s bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them.

Introduction

Background: This is David’s second chance to kill Saul (compare 1 Sam 24).

David once again refuses to seize power by force, showing faith in God’s providence.

Theme: God’s hand often works in unseen ways, calling us to patience, trust, and humility.

1. Providence in Patience (1 Samuel 26:1–12)

David spares Saul’s life again, refusing to act on impulse.

A. The opportunity for revenge

Saul camps in the wilderness of Ziph (vv. 1–5).

Abishai urges David to strike Saul (vv. 8).

B. The restraint of faith

David refuses: “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” (v. 9).

Proverbs 20:22 – “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’; wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.”

C. The hidden hand of providence

Saul and his men sleep because “a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen upon them” (v. 12).

God orchestrates circumstances to test David’s patience.

2. Prayerful Confrontation (1 Samuel 26:13–20)

David confronts Saul not with violence, but with prayerful humility and truth.

A. A call for accountability

David calls out Abner and Saul from a distance (vv. 13–16).

B. Respectful confrontation

David bows before Saul and pleads his case (vv. 17–19).

Matthew 18:15 – confront a brother with gentleness and truth.

C. A Christ-like model

David entrusts justice to God, not himself (vv. 19–20).

1 Peter 2:23 – Jesus, when reviled, entrusted Himself to the Father’s justice.

3. Providence in Reversal (1 Samuel 26:21–25)

God turns Saul’s pursuit into a moment of recognition and reversal.

A. Saul’s remorse

Saul admits, “I have sinned… I will no more do you harm” (v. 21).

B. David’s vindication

David’s righteousness is acknowledged by Saul himself (vv. 22–24).

Psalm 37:6 – God will bring forth your vindication like the dawn.

C. God’s providence at work

Saul blesses David, confessing his future kingship (v. 25).

Lesson: God can reverse situations and turn enemies into witnesses of His plan.

Christ Connection

David’s restraint points forward to Christ, who did not grasp power but humbled Himself to the Father’s will (Philippians 2:5–8).

Just as David spared his enemy, Jesus extended mercy at the cross, trusting the Father’s plan even in suffering.

God’s hidden hand in David’s story foreshadows the greater providence at Calvary—what looked like defeat became salvation.

Conclusion

Summary: David teaches us patience, prayerful confrontation, and trust in God’s providence.

Application:

When tempted to seize control, wait on God’s timing.

When wronged, confront with humility, entrusting justice to the Lord.

When plans unravel, remember God’s hidden hand is guiding all things for His glory and your good.

Closing Thought: The hidden hand that guided David in the wilderness is the same hand that guides us today—seen most clearly in Christ, our Savior and King.

Next time we will see the final demise of Saul and the struggle of David to the throne.