Word of Encouragement (09/27/2023)
Now they told David, "Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors." 2 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." 3 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?" 4 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." (1 Sam. 23:1-4).
Though privately anointed as king, David was not officially one yet. He was on the run from Saul’s murderous pursuits. All he had was just a small ragtag band of six hundred men (v. 13). Was he in any condition to help the people of Keilah? But he could not help feeling burdened by the news about the plight of Keilah. So, he asked the LORD what he should do about the situation at Keilah.
Some grow into their roles after they are appointed. Whatever potential that has been hidden and buried comes to life when the situation calls for it. But this is a risky arrangement: not all can step up to the plate and hit it out of the park; some crash and burn. But there are others, who display the kind of qualities a job requires long before they are given the job. So, when they finally take the position, it seems like the most natural thing. They have shown themselves qualified for the job, both in skill and disposition. David’s response to the Keilah crisis showed that he belonged to the latter group. He didn’t have to have the crown on his head to act royally—that is, to have compassion for his people and protect them.
We can see how risky this venture to aid Keilah was. When David told his men of his plan to go and help the people of Keilah, his men said, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” Judah, of course, was David’s tribe. Keilah was close to Philistia. Thus the men’s fear. So, David asked the LORD again to assure his men of God’s help. When God gave the green light again, David led his people to Keilah and defeated the Philistines there.
What a refreshing prayer this is! So many of our prayers are just “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” But here, David was asking, “God, is there anything I can do for You and Your people?” How pleasing this attitude must have been to God! What is our response to those who are suffering? Are we like those who are too busy videotaping when someone is brutally attacked without any thought of stepping in to help? When the needs of our families and friends and church come to our attention, do we take on this spectator posture? I hope we do not forget to pray for them. But maybe there are times when our prayer should be, “Lord, is there anything I can do for them?”