Day 84 - 1 Samuel 21-24, Psalm 84

We witness David rise to power in the most unconventional of ways—not through conquest or royal favor, but through exile, suffering, and surrender. He is set apart by his God-given artistry, but his true strength lies deeper. He is victorious because of his unwavering faith.

Time and again, he narrowly escapes death. His life is marked by constant danger, betrayal, and uncertainty, yet he remains steady in trusting God. Now, when we open the Psalms, we hear his cries with fresh ears. They are the echoes of a soul in pursuit of God through pain. We feel his desperation in the caves. We recognize his worship in the wilderness. We understand his devotion to obedience. God is shaping a shepherd into a king.

In 1 Samuel 21, David flees from Saul and stops at Nob, where he takes Goliath’s sword. He then escapes to Gath, where he pretends to be insane to avoid death.

In 1 Samuel 22, David hides in the cave of Adullam, where a group of misfits gathers around him. Meanwhile, Saul, spiraling in paranoia, kills the priests of Nob for helping David.

In 1 Samuel 23, David continues to flee but still stops to save Keilah from the Philistines, even as Saul continues chasing him. Even while running for his life, David takes time to do God’s will.

In 1 Samuel 24, David has the perfect chance to kill Saul, who unknowingly enters the cave where David is hiding. But David spares his life, trusting in God's timing for justice.

God doesn’t just work in victories. He works in caves, in deserts, in big cities, in colleges and high schools. He works online—and in you. How great is our God!