Episode 58: The Life Of David - On the Run

Unexpected with Hannah Love

Today, we are going to step over into the next season of David’s life I like to call: On The Run. I felt like it was appropriate. From experience, I can say there is usually a time we all feel like we are on the run from something. It might even be God you’re running from! Like the call on your life is so overwhelming you just... run away. Out of fear. Out of intimidation. And frankly, out of feeling like you aren’t qualified for any of it. Others of you may be pursing God’s calling on your life but you feel the enemy coming against you. Maybe today, you’re even on the run from all of the attacks the enemy has brought against you and your family and your future. Maybe you're just plain tired. Relentless warfare is a tactic from the enemy. He loves to pursue us. Why? Because if he is successful, we will be too tired to pursue our God-given purpose.

This is where David finds himself. Running. Not from God but from the enemy. Let me reason some scripture here to set the scene... 1 Samuel 18:1-30

Okay, so, here’s my ‘cliff’s notes’ version of David's story. David was likely around 15 years old or so when God sent Samuel to anoint him as the future king... It was a few years later, in his late teens, that David killed Goliath and entered into the service of King Saul. So, this put David around 20 years old. At this point, he had entered into the kings household, and served for some years. Again, this is all time of preparation for what comes next for young David. During this time, he plays the lyre for Saul, and when he comes of age, begins leading men in his army. He eventually became a successful warrior and even married one of Saul's daughters. This is where things get hairy.

King Saul couldn't control his jealousy any longer. Overtaken by an evil spirit, Saul attacked David while he was serving the king! David fleas... This marked the beginning of a new season. A season of running. For the remainder of 1 Samuel (at least 12 more chapters), David ran for his life. I encourage you to read these chapters for yourself, because they are seriously full of action and intrigue.. We won't have time today, though. Rather, I will share this. When David fled, he hid and gathered a group of followers. These were battle tough men who rallied behind him and fought for him. For years, David and his men were in constant motion, hiding from Saul's army, running all over the country, hiding in towns and caves and anywhere they could to keep moving. During this time (and on two separate occasions), David was within striking distance of Saul and spared his life. Remember, David had a heart after God's own.. He dared not take the life of a man God had once anointed. Simultaneously during this time David and his men were also out fighting (and destroying) enemy forces. Not only was David fighting other battles while he ran from King Saul, but King Saul was also at war with surrounding countries. Honestly...there's about 10 chapters of just running and fighting and more fighting! There was a fight everywhere you looked. So when David wasn't busy running for his life from Saul, he was busy fighting for his life against other enemies.. As weary as he must have been though, his reputation was growing... as well as the support of the people.

After years of this nonstop warring and pursuit, King Saul is eventually wounded in battle against the Philistines. Rather than be overtaken by the enemy, he falls on his own sword, taking his life. At long last.. Saul was dead. The running was over. And a new season...was about to begin.

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