Day 112, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1Samuel 26; Psalm 31
Trapped—What Should We Do?
What do we do when we feel trapped— surrounded by problems with no way of escape? Do we give in to despair, get panicky, or consider desperate actions? Will we make deals with anyone, even God, to get us out of it? Where is he when we are trapped?
The LORD is always present, but he wants us to rely on him.
God offers us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, comfort, and help. Where or to whom do we go to when we are in trouble? If it is God, then he will help us find the right way out of our ensnarement. If we depend on anything or anybody else, it is an offense to him and could be idolatry. The Almighty will let us come to the end of our sufficiency and dependency on other people or things. He will do this so that we will learn to lay the fate of our soul at God’s feet.
The LORD hates pride but lifts the spirits of the humble and needy.
David, in the days of King Saul, was still fleeing the hot pursuit of his jealous king. He had relied on his wits before, but now he is learning to trust the LORD.
More Betrayals
In today’s Bible reading, we notice the Ziphites (people from the town of Ziph in the Israelite tribe of Judah) are once again betraying David’s whereabouts. What is their motivation? Perhaps they are trying to curry favor or riches from Saul. Or, the king may have put a price on David’s head; maybe they are trying to collect the reward.
Saul’s men, knowing jealousy is his weakness, may also have incited the king to pursue David for their gain (1Samuel 26:19).
Meanwhile, David is hiding in and around large rocks and caves in this remote region, being hunted by Saul’s army. Some of us might berate David for hiding from Saul and living by his instincts. We should remember that we were born sinners;
Having faith and trust in God is something we need to learn.
What David the psalmist wrote will be of some profit to us when we feel trapped. He said,
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth. (Psalm 31:1-5, NIV)
Fear
Many times, it is not just physical attacks we face but fear that disables our spirit and makes us depressed, anxious, and even panicky. We need to commit, not only threatening situations but also our mind and emotions to the LORD to receive his peace.
David’s psalm ends with an encouragement: “Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD” (Psalm 31:23-24, NIV).
Our fears make us weak, but we can find strength in God.
Feeling trapped can make people terrified, yet David commits to trust God and his Word. We should do the same.
A child who does not know how to swim is afraid. She does not want to be trapped under the water and drown. When she stands on the edge of a swimming pool or other body of water, she sees her daddy (or mommy) in the water, saying, “Jump into my arms; I will catch you.” At this point, his child must make a choice, to jump or to cry and walk away.
Our Father in heaven wants us to rely upon him, to commit— to jump into his arms. His arms are safe; his arms are strong. He will not let us be trapped under the water of our circumstances and drown.
Focus Verses
Psalm 31:3-5 (NIV) “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.”
Discussion
How should we answer the question, “Where is God?” when a person feels trapped by his circumstances?
How do we learn to have faith in God?
What part does commitment have to do when we feel trapped or panicky?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: David has a choice—should he come out of hiding and fight King Saul or find another place of refuge? What will he do? How do we know when we should Fight or Not Fight? Join us for our Next Lesson.
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