Vince Miller Podcast

What lessons have you learned from your long, arduous trial?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way."

Yesterday, David went over to Keilah and defeated an invasion of the Philistines, putting him within Saul's reach. Today, we will see how that turns out in  1 Samuel 23:13-14 which reads:

Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed from Keilah, and they went wherever they could go. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he gave up the expedition. And David remained in the strongholds in the wilderness, in the hill country of the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not give him into his hand. — 1 Samuel 23:13-14

In this text, we notice that David's men continue to grow. He was around 400 men but now has grown to 600. They continue to run and avoid engaging in civil conflict with Saul. David seems to have given instructions not to engage with Saul. This is honorable, given that "Saul sought him every day" for over a decade. This was a long, arduous trial that had no end in sight.

Have you ever endured a long, arduous trial like this with no end in sight? If you have, you know it can be both exhausting and exhilarating.

As a pastor, I've seen many people walk through these seasons many times. I have also learned that believers enduring long, arduous trials often develop profound resilience and strength. Although the trials are unenjoyable in the present situation, they become trainers and teachers for future situations. At a point, a person emerges transformed, realizing the trial was not merely an obstacle but an opportunity to test and toughen their faith, revealing spiritual muscles that God will use for future feats.

So, are you going into, in, or coming out of a long, arduous trial? If so, trust God through the obstacle and see the opportunity. Pay attention to how God is training you. Learn the lessons God is trying to teach. God just might be preparing you for something great. At this moment in our text, God was forging David's character as a man and leader. He was building his trust, patience, and resilience for the battles ahead.

If you are a believer today who has been through a long, arduous trial, surely you have learned some timeless lesson. Do me a favor and share the lesson or lessons that your trial has taught you in the comments below. Some believers listening today are going through a trial, and they cannot see the opportunity but only the obstacle, and they need your encouragement today. The lessons you have learned could be the good news they need to lift their eyes to the opportunity God wants them to see.

#ResilientFaith, #TrustGod, #LessonsInTrials

1. What lessons have you learned during your long trials that have strengthened your faith?
2. How can sharing your experiences help others grow in their faith?

Share the lesson of your trial.

Father, help me trust in Your guidance during my trials, knowing that You are shaping my character and faith through these challenges. Grant me the strength to encourage others with the lessons I've learned, reflecting Your faithfulness in my life. Amen.

He Will Hold Me Fast.

Do you default to your will, convincing yourself it's God's will, or just to God's will?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way."

Yesterday, David went over to Keilah and defeated an invasion of the Philistines, putting him within Saul's reach. Today, we will see how that turns out in  1 Samuel 23:6-12 which reads:

When Abiathar the son of Ahimelech had fled to David to Keilah, he had come down with an ephod in his hand. Now it was told Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has given him into my hand, for he has shut himself in by entering a town that has gates and bars.” And Saul summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and his men. David knew that Saul was plotting harm against him. And he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” Then David said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city on my account. Will the men of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? O Lord, the God of Israel, please tell your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will surrender you.” — 1 Samuel 23:6-12

An ephod was a cloth garment worn by Israel's high priests. It was made from fine and colorful materials; think of it as a long, lightweight, sleeveless vest worn over other clothing to distinguish a priest (see image here). Attached to it was a jem-covered breastplate. The garment was used during worship and to seek God's guidance because within a pocket of the ephod were the Urim and Thummim—objects used to discern God’s will.

So what are the Urim and Thummim?

These objects are a bit of a mystery. We don't know exactly how they were used or what they looked like. We believe they were two small stones (maybe gems), one white and the other black. But in some way, they were used exclusively by a high priest to inquire of God and determine his will. The words Urim and Thummin literally meant "lights" and "perfections," so some believe that when light shone on them, they gave direction.

Given this context, we can compare Saul and David in the text.

If you remember back a few verses, Saul had just murdered all the priests, minus one who escaped—Abiathar. So the fact that he thinks God has given David into his hand is preposterous. This is how delusional Saul has become. He kills defenseless priests of God and then believes he is still hearing from God. It troubles me to say this but there are believers who can become this delusional.

On the other hand, we have David. In the previous text, David consulted God twice before going to Keilah and will now do it again. He does it in the traditional way because God has given him a secret weapon—a surviving priest who slipped away with an ephod that no doubt had the Urim and Thummin.

Notice the shift in the story: Saul has eliminated all means of hearing God's voice, and David has been given the means of hearing God's voice. This is a vital power shift in this story.

If you want to do God's will, you have to be willing to hear God's will. This means you cannot eliminate all means of hearing from God and then justify the voice in your head as God's will. That's delusional. Instead, the better choice is to surround yourself with as many means of hearing God's will as possible, including God's Word, God's people, and God's Spirit, and engaging in intercessory prayer.

#GodsWill, #Discernment, #FaithJourney

1. What practices or resources are you currently using to discern God's will in your life, and how can you deepen those practices?
2. Can you identify a recent decision where you felt torn between your own desires and what you believed to be God’s direction? How did you navigate that situation?

Seek God's will, not your own.

Father, please help me to seek Your will above my own and to recognize the guidance You provide through Your Word, Your Spirit, and the community around me. May I be open to hearing Your voice and willing to follow the path You have set before me. Amen.

I Lift My Eyes.

Do you like doing it your way or God's way? 

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 23 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "Your Way Or The Lord's Way."

This week, you will see two men function as kings. One will do it his way. The other will do it the Lord's way. I will let you figure out which man does it which way. Let's begin with 1 Samuel 23:1-5 which reads:

Now they told David, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.” Therefore David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.” But David's men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, “Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.” And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. — 1 Samuel 23:1-5

David has a lot going on in his life, doesn't he? But he never quits his job or abandons his calling.

This is a good reminder. Sometimes, you will experience seasons where a lot is going on in your life. This is not a time to abandon your calling. This might be the time to lean into it more because the enemy is working to distract and divert you from the work God wants you to do. The enemy loves getting you all worked up about peripheral matters, so you won't worry about what actually matters. So, if your life is full, focus on fulfilling your calling.

But if David moves to fulfill his calling and save the people of Keilah, he knows that this will put him between two enemies—the Philistines and Saul. Keilah was located on the west edge of Israelite territory, closer to Gibeah, where Saul was. So instead of pursuing his calling our selfish stubbornness, David does what a great spiritual leader would do: he inquires of God. Instead of being stubborn and seeking his will, he submits to the Lord and seeks his will.

Great leaders never let their drive, determination, and desires override the will of the Lord.

During the running years, David never forgot that the battle and the victory were the Lord's.

You have to remember this, too. There is a calling God has on your life. You should live out this calling with drive and determination. But you should never let your will override the will of the Lord. It's the Lord who gave you this calling. The Lord has a way that he wants you to steward your calling. You should heed his direction so he wins and gets the glory through you. Your calling is not led by your will for your glory.

God, we give our callings to you today. May we live it out with drive and determination, but never according to our will for our glory. Amen

#GodsWay, #FollowYourCalling, #FaithfulLeadership

Leaders bear the responsibility for their decisions.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, Doeg slaughtered the entire priestly line of Ahimelech. But today, we learn one priest escapes. Let's find out who that is in 1 Samuel 22:20-23:

But one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped and fled after David. And Abiathar told David that Saul had killed the priests of the Lord. And David said to Abiathar, "I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your father's house. Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life. With me you shall be in safekeeping." — 1 Samuel 22:20-23

Abiathar is the sole heir of Eli's house, who remains according to the prophecy in Chapter 2. If you can remember, about 20 weeks ago, when we began this series, there was a man of God who prophecied against Eli because of his wicked sons, and he said:

Only one of you whom I shall not cut off from my altar shall be spared to weep his eyes out to grieve his heart, and all the descendants of your house shall die by the sword of men. — 1 Samuel 2:33

That prophecy has come true for Abiathar, the final heir of Eli.

But notice two details. First, Abiathar does not cast any blame on David for what has happened to his father or his entire family. He comes in peace, seeking refuge. David provides refuge for him for all the days of his life and will be a high priest in his empire. Second, even though Abiathar doesn't blame David, David takes full responsibility for the events that led to his family's death. This is quite the comparison to Saul, who takes no responsibility at all.

Great leaders take responsibility for their actions and inaction and the impact they have on others, no matter how big or small. This is a fundamental principle of leadership.

Today, I want to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your leadership roles. Carefully consider any areas where you may need to start taking responsibility for your actions or inaction. Bear the weight of your leadership responsibility. Then, share your conviction with the people you lead and make the commitment to step up as a leader and provide the leadership they need.

#LeadershipResponsibility, #AccountabilityInFaith, #FaithfulLeadership

1. In what areas of your leadership—whether at work, community, or home—do you need to take more responsibility for your actions and their impact on others?
2. How can you create an environment of openness and accountability within your team or community, encouraging others to also take ownership of their roles?

Take responsibility in one area of leadership this week.

Father, help me to embrace my leadership responsibilities with humility and courage, acknowledging the impact of my actions on those I lead. Grant me the wisdom to create a culture of accountability where we can support one another in our journeys of growth and service. Amen.

I Have Decided.

Ungodly influences will affect your legacy.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, we ended our reading just as Saul ordered his soldiers to slay Ahimelech and his entire priestly line. They refused for obvious reasons. Here's what happens in 1 Samuel 22:18-19:

Then the king said to Doeg, "You turn and strike the priests." And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod. And Nob, the city of the priests, he put to the sword; both man and woman, child and infant, ox, donkey and sheep, he put to the sword. — 1 Samuel 22:18-19

This event is genuinely saddening on so many levels.

I hope you notice that Doeg didn't merely follow the king's orders; he took the opportunity to go above and beyond, leaving a bloody trail of devastation. He is a shepherd who slays every breathing creature in Nob. What's striking is that there's no indication Saul tried to stop this slaughter of surplus. On that day, Doeg revealed who he indeed was—an Edomite enemy, betraying the Israelites and destroying their priests at the will of a possessed Israelite King.

The actions taken against Ahimelech echo the kind of judgment God decreed upon enemy nations. This moment is eerily reminiscent of what God commanded Saul to do to the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15:3. Except this time, Saul finally follows through. Through his ruthless henchman, he finally enacts the kind of judgment he was commanded to impose on his people instead of the Amalekites. By the voice of Doeg, Saul is tipped over the edge and has now become a failure of monumental proportions.

Saul's decline is shocking. The once reluctant leader has devolved into a ruthless tyrant, completely consumed by corruption. Like Pharoah in the time of Moses and Herod in the time of Jesus, Saul's decline turns him against his people and God. All men and leaders are susceptible to the same decline. I am, and so are you.

As a believer, take time to identify one ungodly influence that has infiltrated the ranks of your life. Then, eliminate this influence. There is no reason to let one ungodly influence have decision rights in those emotional times of your life. These people don't care about you. They also don't care about the consequences of their flawed advice. They may even take advantage of you as Doeg did of Saul.

#LeadershipLessons, #GuardYourHeart, #UngodlyInfluence

1. What ungodly influences have you encountered in your life, and how can you actively remove or address them to maintain your spiritual integrity?
2. In what ways can we ensure that our leadership, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, remains aligned with God’s principles rather than succumbing to corrupt influences?

Eliminate one ungodly influence.

Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen.

Honest.

Are you paranoid about the present conspiracy?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, we discovered Doeg, the foreigner, sold out Ahimelech, the Priest, and that he saw him in Nob supply David with supplies and a sword. So Saul, who is now furious, commands Ahimelech and his family of priests to come to Gibeah, only a couple of miles to the west. Let's read what happens in 1 Samuel 22:11-17:

Then the king sent to summon Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father's house, the priests who were at Nob, and all of them came to the king. And Saul said, "Hear now, son of Ahitub." And he answered, "Here I am, my lord." And Saul said to him, "Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, so that he has risen against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?" Then Ahimelech answered the king, "And who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king's son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house? Is today the first time that I have inquired of God for him? No! Let not the king impute anything to his servant or to all the house of my father, for your servant has known nothing of all this, much or little." And the king said, "You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father's house." And the king said to the guard who stood about him, "Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because their hand also is with David, and they knew that he fled and did not disclose it to me." But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to strike the priests of the Lord.— 1 Samuel 22:11-17

This section is deeply disturbing. Saul is now so paranoid that he sees even his closest and most godly allies as foes rather than friends.

Ahimelech presents to him a four-pronged and logical defense:

1. He understood David as a loyal servant, son-in-law, and captain of his servants.
2. He performed his royal duties as required.
3. He affirmed his loyalty to Saul.
4. He declared his non-involvement in a plot against the King.

But none of this is convincing to Saul. David's actions, combined with Jonathan's, Michal's, Samuel's, and now Ahimelech's, confirmed by Doeg, are too much for the paranoia stirring around in Saul's mind. The circle of the conspiracy continues to grow, and Saul cannot see it any other way. Therefore, Saul pronounces a verdict as the high prosecutor in his court, and then his men refuse to act. I am sure the inaction of his men only confirmed his fears of a growing conspiracy.

God is always up to something, and it's always righteous. But his righteousness will expose unrighteousness. Sometimes, we may interpret this as a conspiracy against us, especially when we are the ones opposing God by acting unrighteous. Saul's verdict exposes his desire to play God in this situation. Note that his words are the same as God's judgment for human sin in Genesis 2:17, "You shall surely die." But Saul is not God therefore his paranoia leads to an unjust verdict and the sentencing of a line of innocent and defenseless priests.

Saul is paranoid and feels like he is losing control, but the text presents no sign that he has lost any control in the kingdom. Even David perceives himself to be Saul's subject and merely wants to keep himself and his family safe. He has no desire to take the kingdom from Saul's hand. Saul still has absolute control but is now completely controlled by his fears.

Fear is an essential God-given emotion designed to signal you when you perceive a threat, danger, or something unknown. Fear is designed to alert you and prepare you to respond to a challenge. But when you allow fear to control you, you are prone to making irrational decisions founded in senseless conspiracies of your will rather than the sound certainty of God's will.

There are so many things to be fearful of today: the economy, war, immigrants, storms, illicit drugs, party division, and the next election. At the same time, you also have personal fears that demand your immediate attention. But you cannot let any of these fears control you. Saul is an example of a man who is in complete control of a kingdom but acts like he is out of control because his fears are completely controlling him. Don't live life this way. It will drive you mad. Instead, let your fears drive your faith in God, who is the only one to be feared.

#FaithOverFear, #CommunityInChrist, #1SamuelReflections

1. How has fear affected your decisions and relationships, and how can you shift to trust in God's sovereignty?
2. How can you build support among your friends and family during fearful times?

Stop constructing conspiracies in your mind, confide in the Creator, and fear him.

Father, help me to surrender my fears to You and trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You are always in control. May I seek to build a strong community of faith around me, supporting one another as we navigate life's challenges together. Amen.

Fear Of God.

Are you friends with too many deceptive opportunists?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, we discovered King Saul pouting in Gibeah. If you remember, Saul threw a tantrum, leaving his servants, who were mostly his family, in shock. Then, we assume this outburst was met with silence until one man breaks the silence. I wonder who that man might be? Let's read 1 Samuel 22:9-10:

Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saul, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, and he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.”— 1 Samuel 22:6-8

The man is Doeg. He was herding in Nob days before when he saw David, and he just happened to be here at Saul's outburst. Therefore, since he is an enemy slave, he will leverage an opportunity. He takes advantage of the silence and sells David and the priests out, leveraging his knowledge against Saul's people.

You will see tomorrow that Doeg's opportunism will strike a deadly blow to Israel and its spiritual community. And it's not good.

We live in very suspicious times. We are less trusting of legacy media, political messaging, social media, news propaganda, educational institutions, drug providers, and corporate policies than ever. While I don't think we need to embrace every conspiracy theory, I think it is good to be skeptical and to trust institutions and people less without abandoning them.

Doeg is merely a sleeper opportunist. He is a foreigner who has infiltrated Israel because Saul has allowed it. Doeg is a skilled herdsman and will use his skill to herd the people of Israel against one another. He intentionally retained information and saw an opportunity to sell David out for his own benefit, turning the priests against Saul and his servants.

Watch out for oppositional opportunists like Doeg in your life. These are people who do not care about you and will take advantage of your willingness to trust them, using that to their advantage at the cost of something in your life. They will sneak in, spy you out, and then sell you out and it is never an enjoyable experience. This occurrence here is going to turn deadly, ripping apart the house of God, as we will see tomorrow.

Here is my advice: Go to a Bible-preaching church. Join a small group or form a close relationship with other believers. Marry a believer. Do business with people who are believers. Build lasting, trusting relationships with believing men and women. Stop spending time with so many Doegs, those who do not share your values, beliefs, and faith in God. Over time, they slip in and tear friendships apart, churches apart, marriages apart, and businesses apart.

#CommunityMatters, #BewareOfOpportunists, #FaithfulConnections

1. Who are the “Doegs” in your life, and how can you better identify and protect yourself from their influence in your relationships?
2. In what ways can you actively seek out and cultivate trusting relationships with other believers to strengthen your spiritual community?

Decrease your Doegs. Increase disciples.

Father, please help me discern the intentions of those around me and build trusting relationships with fellow believers who will encourage my faith. Strengthen my community connections so that I can grow in my walk with You and support others in their journey as well. Amen.

Relationship.

Do you feel insecure about the present political climate?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, David took his family to the stronghold in Moab and then left with his 400 men to the forest of Hereth. Today, the text is going to turn back to King Saul in Gibeah in 1 Samuel 22:6-8:

Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.” — 1 Samuel 22:6-8

The last time we read about Saul, he had his spear in hand and hurled it at his son, Jonathan. Again, he has his spear in hand, probably because he is very concerned for his life. This is a possessed and paranoid king who is strapped with a weapon wherever he goes, and people continue to submit to his oppressive disposition. One of the reasons they submit is submitted in the text. Saul is paying for their allegiance by endearing the people of his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) with three things: fields, vineyards, and positions in the kingdom.

It's important to pause here and notice the contrast of appearances between Saul and David. Saul sits in the comfort of his home atop a hill in his kingdom, peacefully in the shade of a tamarisk tree. David retreats to a cave and foreign lands outside his homeland, distressed and running for his life. However, the picture of Saul's security is only an illusion because deep insecurities are stirring within his heart.

Saul realizes that the quid-pro-quo approach with his tribe (the Tribe of Benjamin) is no longer as effective as it once was because his oppression has become too much. David's tribe (the Tribe of Judah) just rallied around him in distress at the Cave of Adullam with no promises of quid-pro-quo. Thus we see Saul is creating a political divide within Israel, and the people feel it.

But Saul's outburst gives him away. It makes him sound like a pouting child who is not getting his way and is throwing a tantrum. Essentially, he exclaims, "I give you everything, but no one tells me anything!"

Saul's facade of security has been publicly exposed. Deep insecurities are driving him further into madness. He is not concerned about the things of God, God's people, or even his own tribe. His only concern is himself. Following his outburst, his people are silent. They are in shock at what he has declared, and no one dares to respond. And so Samuel's explicit declaration in 1 Samuel 8 about their desire to appoint a king like other nations is fulfilled a couple of decades later. Let's turn back and read what Samuel prophecied:

“These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you … he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties.… He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive orchards and give them to his servants.” — 1 Samuel 8:11, 12, 14.

Political leaders do not care about you. They frequently begin with pure motives and good intentions, but if they stay in politics for long enough, their motives and intentions turn to securing favor for themselves and their families and finally winning just enough public favor for their next election. You might initially not like what I am saying and disagree with me on this, but don't ignore Saul's progression and Samuel's prophecy they are a standing pattern that has stood the test of time. Besides, in the end, this empire will not last very long. There are only three kings in Israel's monarchy: Saul, David, and Solomon. It lasts only long enough for the Temple to be built. (I wonder if God was trying to tell us something?)

If you feel insecure about our present political climate remember: political leaders do not care about you, but there is one who does. His name is Jesus. He is the only King. Submit to him, and find your security in him; he will never let you down.

God, today we put our trust in God, who is King, not the next king. Amen.

#InsecureKings, #FaithInPolitics, #CommunityInChrist

1. How do Saul's insecurities mirror those of our leaders? How can we seek God's guidance to lead with authenticity and trust rather than fear?
2. In challenging times, how can we build genuine community and support instead of superficial relationships that are based on others' insecurities? What practical steps can we take to foster genuine connection?

Find security in God.

Father, help me to recognize and surrender my insecurities to You so that I may lead with authenticity and faith rather than fear. Grant me the wisdom to build genuine connections within my community, reflecting Your love and grace in every relationship. Amen.

I Trust Jesus.

Are you living a legacy that leaves a wake?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Yesterday, David was in the Cave of Adullam, and God provided him with relationships and resources; today, he will head to the other side of the river into new territory. Let's see where he goes in 1 Samuel 22:3-5:

And David went from there to Mizpeh of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Please let my father and my mother stay with you, till I know what God will do for me.” And he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. Then the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” So David departed and went into the forest of Hereth. — 1 Samuel 22:3-5

From the Cave of Adullam, David heads east (see map). He would have had to cross the hills and the Jordan River to reach Moab, east of Israel.

What makes this interesting is that Moabites were one of Saul's enemies, whom he had successfully opposed in Chapter 14. This begs the question, "Why did he take his family here? Haven't we just tried running to an enemy, and it did not work out so well?"

There is an intriguing answer.

David understood that he had to get his family to safety. They ran a significant risk in coming to him, so he had to take them somewhere relatively safe. Even though the Moabites were enemies to Saul, David has distant family roots in Moab. David's great-grandmother and Jesse's grandmother was a famous Moabite—Ruth (Ruth 4:13, 18–22).

Ruth’s faithfulness paid off during her day and continued to pay off more than a century later. In Ruth's lineage, David found safety for his family until Saul was gone.

Sin always leaves a wake of ongoing consequences. But so does our faithfulness. Don't underestimate the wake of your faithfulness to future generations. Your decision for Christ and the ongoing decisions you make for Christ can positively impact your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. So work out your salvation, be faithful, and live a legacy that leaves a wake felt by future generations.

#FaithfulLegacy, #DavidAndRuth, #JourneyToSafety

1. How can you identify and strengthen the community connections in your life, especially during times of distress or uncertainty? How might these relationships impact your faith journey and the faith of future generations?
2. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to protect your loved ones. How did your faith guide you in that situation, and what lessons can you draw from David’s example of seeking safety for his family?

Live a legacy that leaves a wake.

Father, help me trust in Your provision as I navigate life's challenges, just as David did in his time of distress. May I cultivate strong connections within my community and leave a lasting legacy of faithfulness for future generations. Amen.

The Blessing.

Are you hiding in a cave, feeling hunted, hated, and alone?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are in Chapter 22 of 1 Samuel. I've titled this chapter "From Caves Of Distress To Community Connections."

Don't miss the new drop of The Vince Miller Show at the link below.

Yesterday, David was acting like an insane man in Gath, which was a short-lived retreat. Today, David will run to a new location, so let's see where he goes in 1 Samuel 22:1-2:

David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. — 1 Samuel 22:1-2

Adullam was about ten miles southeast of Gath, back into the hills, yet still twenty-plus miles south of Gibeah, Ramah, and Nob, where he had previously been. This puts him back in Israelite territory, but enemies would struggle to get to him because he is in the foothills (see map).

In the Cave of Adullam, David is met with two great foes: distress and bitterness. These two words are potent and dripping with emotion in this text. If you want to know how David experienced these emotions, read Psalm 57 and Psalm 142, which recount David's cry to the Lord during this time.

At some point, every believer will feel like David felt in the Cave of Adullam. We might not be hunted by an enemy King with an army like David was, but we will feel the same distress and bitterness. We will feel like we are sitting in a lonely, dark, cold cave alone. And in this distress, we should call upon the Lord. Cry out in emotion to God as David did. Read the two Psalms and cry out the same emotions, knowing you are not the only believer who has ever felt this way.

But here comes the good news. God heard David's cry and sent a massive community to the rescue.

In the Cave, God supplies relationships for David. He is reunited with his family. The family that seemed almost to desert him in the early chapters of 1 Samuel comes to him. These are the same brothers who used to tease him and the father who gave him over to the service of a now-possessed king. These relationships had to be an overwhelming comfort to David. Regardless of past hurts and hangups, they all came and attended to the soul of their son and brother.

In the Cave, God supplies resources for David. God supplies him with 400 men—400 like-minded men who felt his distress, knew the injustice, and were willing to risk aligning with him and going forward with him. I assume this included even the older brothers, who used to tease him.

Don't underestimate what God will do with you in your cave. I know David was literally being hunted and found refuge in an actual cave, but your cave is no different. It is filled with the same distress and bitterness. Your soul knows the same loneliness David felt. If you are in the cave with David, call on the Lord, who rescues and provides relationships and resources to those who call upon him. Never underestimate what God might do with you in the cave. God might be mounting an army of relationships and resources to rescue you.

God, I pray you will be with those distressed and bitter today. In the cave, come to them and provide them with the relationships and resources that only you can provide that they each need. Amen.

#CaveToCommunity, #GodsProvision, #FaithInDistress

1. In times of distress and isolation, how can you actively seek out and cultivate relationships that provide support and encouragement in your spiritual journey?
2. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "cave" of bitterness or loneliness. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and what lessons did you learn about relying on Him and the community around you?

Run to the God of all resources.

Lord, in my distress and bitter moments, help me remember that I am never truly alone, for You are always with me. Grant me the courage to reach out for support and embrace the community You provide. Amen.

Never Alone.