Crossroads

David was at a crossroads with a pending decision in the balance.
Would he chose to trust in God, or would he allow fear to control his
choice? Recently, he had demonstrated a strong faith in God. With
unwavering certainty in God, he courageously faced and defeated
Goliath on the battlefield. Subsequently, David’s trusting confidence
in God also enabled him to defeat another two hundred Philistine
soldiers. However, this time things were different; he was alone and on
the run from King Saul’s wrath. Unfortunately, David allowed his fear
to dictate his decision-making and stifle any semblance of trusting-faith
in God.

In 1 Samuel 21, David was famished and seemingly lost as he
approached Ahimelech the priest for bread. Instead of trusting in God’s
provision and honestly confessing the circumstances which led to his
current situation, he lied to the priest, Ahimelech. David told the priest
that he was commissioned by King Saul concerning a private matter not
to be disclosed. Surely, David was given bread to eat, but he missed
out on an opportunity to see God supply his needs.
David’s fear next drove him to hide in Gath, a Philistine city. Once
again David was at a crossroads with another pending decision.
The Philistines had recognized him as the fierce warrior who had
previously defeated hundreds of their own people. Instead of
seeking God for protection and guidance, David acted fearfully and
foolishly. He behaved as an insane madman before the Philistine king,
who eventually had David thrown out of the city. Unfortunately,
David’s fear disqualified him from exercising trusting faith in God and
ultimately seeing God’s deliverance.

Like David, we will experience our share of crossroads as we daily walk
with Christ. We will be given numerous opportunities to either trust in
God or act fearfully. How often do we put God and His promises aside
during times of decision-making? The temptation to act fearfully is
always present and enticing. Do we allow rational and logical thinking
processes to take precedence in our decision making? More than not,
we think our choices are so small and insignificant that we do not need
to ask of God or go His way. Other times, we can’t imagine how God
might help or intervene, so we take matters into our own hands and act
fearfully.

God’s ways are always the way of faith. Our faith captures His
attention and moves His heart. Hebrews 11:6 states, “Without faith it
is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that
He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” By seeking
God’s counsel and going His way during times of decision making, we
invite Him into our situations as we trust in His care. In doing so, we
discover peace settling in our hearts. We also understand how God
honors and treasures our faith, even with the smaller issues. Most
importantly, we are given opportunities to personally experience God’s
deliverance, provision, or redemption.

In 1 Samuel 22, we discover how David’s fearful petition to the priest
Ahimeleh for bread led to tragedy. David’s actions were responsible
for the slaughter of 85 priests at King Saul’s command. I believe this
slaughter would have been avoided had David sought God’s counsel
and faithfully trusted in Him.

I pray we learn from David’s mistakes and fear-based choices. May we
always seek God and go His way with our decisions-making. I hope we
choose to act faithfully as we leave our fears behind. May we discover
how God is a rewarder to those who trust Him as we step out in faith.