1 Samuel 23:16

New International Version

And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.

For Encouragement

David and his men had fought to save Keilah from the Philistines (1 Sam. 23:1-6). Saul misread the situation, thinking the Lord had imprisoned David in Keilah, a fortified city, for him to capture, so he prepared his attack (7-8). God revealed that the citizens of Keilah would betray David and his men, who had saved them from the Philistines (9-12). People will do anything to save their skin or court a favor without remembering your good acts in the past. Before criticizing the citizens of Keila, consider how we have also turned away from God sometimes.

David escapes Keilah and seeks refuge in Horesh, a desert that offers almost no support. Can you imagine David’s state of mind at that moment? Despite his struggles with Saul, David showed compassion by defending Keilah against the Philistines. Was it too much to expect their kindness, too? The people did not reciprocate according to David’s expectations but planned to betray him to his enemy. Can you feel the depth of David’s disappointment?

Pause here and consider his thoughts as he and his six hundred men struggled to find cover from King Saul and the army of Israel in the Desert of Ziph.

Is that how humans are? How could the people he rescued be that uncaring? Did he stand a chance against Saul and Israel’s army, and how could he even fight against his people? Could they find a hiding place in the desert? Caught between the hard place and the rock! That was David’s dilemma.

That is the situation the world has thrown at us today. You may be among the conflicted people who cannot understand what hit them. How could things turn this way when you have given your life and worked hard for your nation, people, organization, or company? You face the same dilemma in your marriage, friendship, business partnership, and, worse, your church ministry. Your thoughts have assailed you and have kept you awake all night. How could those you love and care for turn on you this way?

I have good news for you. God knows your situation and sees your tears when nobody is looking. He knows your sleepless nights and secret urges of revenge, and He cares for your peace. He has a Jonathan to seek you out and help you find strength in the Lord (1 Samuel 23:16-17). Just as Jonathan risked his life to encourage David at Horesh, God will also provide somebody to pick you up in your current need. He gave Aaron to strengthen Moses’s hand (Exodus 4:14-16), Ruth to be Naomi’s support (Ruth 2:16-18), and Barnabas to encourage Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:26-28). He sent angels to strengthen Jesus in His wilderness experience with the devil (Matthew 4:11), and He will bring your encourager soon. His help is not a question of ‘if‘ but ‘when ‘.

So, hold on and do not quit or give in, for the Lord is with you, strengthening your faith by His foreordained vessel in due time. You are in the perfect hands of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter.

Pray with Me

Jesus, I know you see my situation and care for me. I trust you to see me through this ordeal by strengthening my faith. As you bring my Jonathan to help me find strength in you, use me to comfort and strengthen another struggling saint you send me to. I ask this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.

 This prayer is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. Just as God has provided strength and encouragement to others, He will do the same for us. We can find comfort in our faith and use our experiences to help others who are struggling.