The sky is falling!

November 8, 2020 (Sunday)

 

What do you do when the “sky is falling?” It seems, in America, we have entered a very dangerous time when the forces of evil have been let off the leash. King David faced that and more.

 

Let’s look at his life and set this up. In 1 Samuel 16 we read of the time when he is anointed King. After the anointing, we read, “And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward.” [1 Samuel 16:13b ESV] The idea of “rushed upon” is a beautiful picture of David’s relationship with the Holy Spirit.

 

We know the story of David and Goliath. We love stories where the “little guy” as able to take out an unbeatable enemy. His secret is found in the declaration, “For the battle is the Lord's.” [1 Samuel 14:47b ESV] Regardless what the threat looked like, David understood the size of God was greater than the size of the enemy.

 

Trouble was not far from David as his own king, King Saul, turned against him (see 1 Samuel 20:31). This led him to a low point where he fled to the Philistine Gath. To recap, Goliath was a Philistine. As a double bonus Goliath was also from Gath. At this low point in David’s life we read, “So he pretended to be insane, scratching on doors and drooling down his beard.” [1 Samuel 21:15 NLT]

 

That’s what brings us to today’s lesson. The inscription of Psalm 34 tells us, “A psalm of David, regarding the time he pretended to be insane in front of Abimelech, who sent him away.” So what was David’s attitude about this event? I am so glad you asked!

 

David starts, “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” [Psalm 34:1 NLT] There are times when the word “all” does not mean “all.” There are times when it means the conditions within context. The context sets limitations. But, I think David means “all” as in every time or circumstances. The word “constantly” means without interruption.

 

David’s principle is if ALL times THEN now. God’s goodness should NEVER be out of our minds. Trouble and danger did not shake David’s faith. It seems in times of pressure, David’s default was to depend on God. That does not negate the fact he was a master strategical thinker (projectile verses sword). David knew all the strategy in the world works only when God is in it.

 

David invites us to, “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” [Psalm 34:8 NLT] Taste is an experience. It is not a partial experience and has the power to trigger strong emotions and reactions. Don’t believe me, try some ghost pepper… It’s an unforgettable experience.

 

God wants you to EXPERIENCE Him in a personal and unforgettable way. Remember all this came from a guy that clawed at the walls and had drool dripping from his beard. Don’t laugh. Remember our salvation comes from someone condemned as a criminal and nailed to a cross.