Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: 1 Samuel 26-31

If you notice we went a little out of order this week, that is because we did. This is published out of order, but the reading still correlates properly with the reading guide provided in A Beautiful Year in the Bible by Alabaster Co that I am currently following.

Today’s reading is 1 Samuel 26–31, and this finishes the book of 1 Samuel, which is a big milestone, so truly, celebrate that! Another book of the Bible completed!

For context, Samuel was a prophet and the last judge over Israel, used by God to help transition His people from the period of judges into the monarchy. The book of 1 Samuel is compiled from the writings of Samuel along with later prophets. The purpose of the book is to show Israel’s transition to kingship, the rise of Saul, and ultimately the rise of David, while revealing that God is the true King over His people.

In chapter 26, we see David spare Saul’s life again.

“The Lord rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness …” -1 Samuel 26:23

David had another opportunity to take matters into his own hands, and again, he chose not to. He trusted that God would handle Saul in His timing. That is not easy. It is much easier to justify revenge, especially when you feel wronged. But David showed restraint and trust, choosing obedience over emotion.

Then we move into chapters 27–29, and we start to see a shift. David, in a moment of fear and discouragement, ran to the land of the Philistines. This is the same enemy he once stood boldly against. Instead of trusting God fully in that moment, he leaned on his own understanding to survive.

This is what happens when fear and worry start to take over. We stop holding tightly to God’s promises and begin trusting ourselves instead. Most of the time, when we rely on ourselves, it leads us into places we were never meant to be; not on God’s path for us.

Sometimes when fear gets loud, we start making decisions just to feel safe, not realizing we are stepping into places God never called us to. How often do we do the same thing?

We let fear or disappointment lead, and we start looking for relief in things that will never actually fix what is going on inside of us. We convince ourselves that a change will fix everything. A new environment, a new relationship, a new distraction, bangs. But physical changes never fix spiritual or emotional problems (West Palm Beach Church of Christ).

We think if we just move, it will feel different. If we just escape, it will get better. If we just numb it, we will finally feel okay. But those things do not heal what is rooted deeper. They only delay it.

Then in chapter 28, we see Saul at his lowest point. Instead of seeking God, he turned to a medium, something God was against. This moment showed how far Saul drifted. He once heard from God and eventually sought “truth” elsewhere. Scripture is clear that this is not something to follow but something to warn us. Saul’s actions ultimately point to his continued disobedience and separation from God. If we need wisdom, we are not left without direction.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault …” -James 1:5

We are invited to go directly to God, not around Him (thebereancall.org).

“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence …” -Hebrews 4:16

In chapter 29, something almost surprising happened. The Philistine leaders refused to let David fight with them. Even they could see what David had momentarily forgotten. He was not one of them. He was set apart and belonged to God. Sometimes the world can recognize when we are out of place before we do. David had drifted into a position where he was about to fight against his own people, but God, in His mercy, blocked it. David forgot who he was, but others could still see it clearly (Enduring Word). That is grace.

In chapter 30, everything comes to a head. David returned to find devastation. His people were taken, his home was burned, and even his own men started to turn on him and themselves.

But …

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” -1 Samuel 30:6

Instead of spiraling further, David turned back. He sought God and turned his obedience back to Him. He took responsibility for his actions.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped …” -Psalm 28:7

“The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” -Psalm 118:14

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles …” -Isaiah 40:31

David did not ignore the situation or try to control everything. Ever done either of those? I am especially guilty of the control one. David brought what he was facing God. He gave it to God first, then acted. In return, God restored what was taken.

Chapter 31 closes with the death of Saul and his sons. Saul’s life is a reminder of what continued disobedience and distance from God can lead to. He had opportunities to turn back, but he consistently chose his own way.

What we trust, and how we respond when things get hard, matters deeply. David was not perfect. He had moments of fear, poor decisions, and drifting. But what set him apart was that he returned. He turned back to God and strengthened himself in Him.

Discussion Questions

1. Where are you most tempted to take control instead of trusting God’s timing?
2. Have you ever found yourself drifting into places or patterns you know are not where you belong?

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