Leading Afraid
We all face moments of fear in our lives. Whether it's a sudden natural disaster, a health scare, or a looming threat, fear can grip us and leave us feeling vulnerable. In these moments, where do we turn? What do we do when we're afraid?
The story of David, long before he became king, offers us profound insights into this universal human experience. His journey teaches us that when we are afraid, we can take refuge in the Lord - and not only that, we can become a refuge for others.
Picture this: It's the dead of night, and you're jolted awake by an emergency alert. A tornado warning blares from your phone, urging you to seek shelter immediately. Your heart races as you gather your family, cramming into a small closet for safety. In that moment of fear, what's your instinct?
For many of us, our first reaction might be to rely on our own wisdom or strength. We might seek comfort in material possessions, distractions, or even destructive behaviors. But David's story challenges us to consider a different path.
When David found himself in mortal danger, fleeing from King Saul who sought to kill him, he didn't run to a fortress or gather an army. Instead, he went to Nob, where the tabernacle of the Lord was located. In his desperation, David sought the presence of God.
This doesn't mean David acted perfectly. In fact, the biblical account shows us a very human, messy response to fear. David lied to the priest Ahimelech, claiming to be on a secret mission for the king. He asked for food and weapons, receiving consecrated bread and even the sword of Goliath.
What's remarkable here is not David's perfection, but his instinct to turn to God even in his imperfect state. He didn't clean himself up first or pretend to have it all together. He came as he was - afraid, desperate, and in need.
From there, David's journey took him to unexpected places. He fled to Gath, the hometown of Goliath, perhaps thinking it was the last place Saul would look. When recognized and captured, David resorted to feigning madness to escape. Yet even in this low moment, we see a glimpse of David's heart. Psalm 56, composed during this time, reveals his inner dialogue: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
As word spread of David's plight, an interesting group gathered around him. The Bible tells us that "all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented" came to David. About 400 men, described as misfits and outcasts, rallied to this anointed-but-not-yet-king. In the midst of his own fear and struggle, David became a refuge for others who were struggling.
This part of the story offers a powerful lesson. When we learn to find our refuge in God, we can become a safe haven for others who are hurting. Our own experiences of fear and God's faithfulness can equip us to offer comfort and hope to those around us.
The narrative takes a dark turn when Saul discovers David's movements. In a fit of paranoid rage, Saul orders the massacre of the priests at Nob, including Ahimelech and his family, for assisting David. This horrific act shows the destructive power of fear when we turn inward instead of to God. Saul, isolated and consumed by his own ego, becomes a "tornado of fear and unbelief," bringing unmerciful wrath to innocent people.
One priest, Abiathar, escapes the massacre and flees to David. David's response is telling. He doesn't deflect blame or make excuses. Instead, he says, "I am responsible for the death of your whole family." This admission of responsibility stands in stark contrast to Saul's blame-shifting and violence. It demonstrates the humility that comes from truly trusting in God rather than oneself.
David's words to Abiathar echo the heart of God: "Stay with me; don't be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me." In this moment, we see David embodying the very refuge he found in God, extending it to someone else in desperate need.
This story from David's life offers us a profound template for dealing with our own fears:
1. Acknowledge our fear and need for help.
2. Turn to God, even in our messy, imperfect state.
3. Trust in God's presence and provision.
4. Allow our experiences to make us compassionate towards others.
5. Take responsibility for our actions, trusting in God's grace.
6. Extend the refuge we've found in God to others who are afraid.
The ultimate fulfillment of this refuge is found in Jesus Christ, the descendant of David. Just as David went to the tabernacle, we can come to Jesus, who is the true "bread of life" and our perfect refuge. Jesus invites us, saying, "You will be safe with me."
When we face moments of fear - whether it's a literal storm or the storms of life - we have a choice. We can try to weather it alone, relying on our own strength or false comforts. Or we can follow David's example, turning to God in honest, messy prayer, trusting that He is our true refuge.
Moreover, as we experience God's faithfulness in our fears, we're called to create spaces of refuge for others. Our churches, our homes, our lives can become places where the "riffraff" - the distressed, the indebted, the discontented - can find safety and grace.
In a world full of reasons to be afraid, may we learn to take refuge in the Lord. And in doing so, may we become people who offer that same refuge to a fearful world around us.
The story of David, long before he became king, offers us profound insights into this universal human experience. His journey teaches us that when we are afraid, we can take refuge in the Lord - and not only that, we can become a refuge for others.
Picture this: It's the dead of night, and you're jolted awake by an emergency alert. A tornado warning blares from your phone, urging you to seek shelter immediately. Your heart races as you gather your family, cramming into a small closet for safety. In that moment of fear, what's your instinct?
For many of us, our first reaction might be to rely on our own wisdom or strength. We might seek comfort in material possessions, distractions, or even destructive behaviors. But David's story challenges us to consider a different path.
When David found himself in mortal danger, fleeing from King Saul who sought to kill him, he didn't run to a fortress or gather an army. Instead, he went to Nob, where the tabernacle of the Lord was located. In his desperation, David sought the presence of God.
This doesn't mean David acted perfectly. In fact, the biblical account shows us a very human, messy response to fear. David lied to the priest Ahimelech, claiming to be on a secret mission for the king. He asked for food and weapons, receiving consecrated bread and even the sword of Goliath.
What's remarkable here is not David's perfection, but his instinct to turn to God even in his imperfect state. He didn't clean himself up first or pretend to have it all together. He came as he was - afraid, desperate, and in need.
From there, David's journey took him to unexpected places. He fled to Gath, the hometown of Goliath, perhaps thinking it was the last place Saul would look. When recognized and captured, David resorted to feigning madness to escape. Yet even in this low moment, we see a glimpse of David's heart. Psalm 56, composed during this time, reveals his inner dialogue: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."
As word spread of David's plight, an interesting group gathered around him. The Bible tells us that "all those who were in distress or in debt or discontented" came to David. About 400 men, described as misfits and outcasts, rallied to this anointed-but-not-yet-king. In the midst of his own fear and struggle, David became a refuge for others who were struggling.
This part of the story offers a powerful lesson. When we learn to find our refuge in God, we can become a safe haven for others who are hurting. Our own experiences of fear and God's faithfulness can equip us to offer comfort and hope to those around us.
The narrative takes a dark turn when Saul discovers David's movements. In a fit of paranoid rage, Saul orders the massacre of the priests at Nob, including Ahimelech and his family, for assisting David. This horrific act shows the destructive power of fear when we turn inward instead of to God. Saul, isolated and consumed by his own ego, becomes a "tornado of fear and unbelief," bringing unmerciful wrath to innocent people.
One priest, Abiathar, escapes the massacre and flees to David. David's response is telling. He doesn't deflect blame or make excuses. Instead, he says, "I am responsible for the death of your whole family." This admission of responsibility stands in stark contrast to Saul's blame-shifting and violence. It demonstrates the humility that comes from truly trusting in God rather than oneself.
David's words to Abiathar echo the heart of God: "Stay with me; don't be afraid. The man who wants to kill you is trying to kill me too. You will be safe with me." In this moment, we see David embodying the very refuge he found in God, extending it to someone else in desperate need.
This story from David's life offers us a profound template for dealing with our own fears:
1. Acknowledge our fear and need for help.
2. Turn to God, even in our messy, imperfect state.
3. Trust in God's presence and provision.
4. Allow our experiences to make us compassionate towards others.
5. Take responsibility for our actions, trusting in God's grace.
6. Extend the refuge we've found in God to others who are afraid.
The ultimate fulfillment of this refuge is found in Jesus Christ, the descendant of David. Just as David went to the tabernacle, we can come to Jesus, who is the true "bread of life" and our perfect refuge. Jesus invites us, saying, "You will be safe with me."
When we face moments of fear - whether it's a literal storm or the storms of life - we have a choice. We can try to weather it alone, relying on our own strength or false comforts. Or we can follow David's example, turning to God in honest, messy prayer, trusting that He is our true refuge.
Moreover, as we experience God's faithfulness in our fears, we're called to create spaces of refuge for others. Our churches, our homes, our lives can become places where the "riffraff" - the distressed, the indebted, the discontented - can find safety and grace.
In a world full of reasons to be afraid, may we learn to take refuge in the Lord. And in doing so, may we become people who offer that same refuge to a fearful world around us.