Today I read 1 Samuel 21, in which David visits Ahimelech asking for food and weapons, and then David escapes to Gath, Philistine territory, and acted crazy out of fear. Today I considered that even the man after God’s own heart acted out of character because of fear.
Lying and Acting Crazy Because of Fear
David out of fear both lied and acted crazy when fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21:1-15). David went to Nob to priest Ahimelech, who asked why he was there. David said a secret mission for Saul and asked for bread, swords, and spears. Ahimelech gave him hallowed bread, once David said they had been kept from women at least three days. Ahimelech only had Goliath’s sword and gave it to David. One of Saul’s servants was there. David fled to Gath, heard them talking about how he killed thousands of their people, became afraid, and acted like he was crazy. The king of Gath said he did not need any mad men. Even brave people can change when they are afraid.
Questions and Thoughts for Today
David is a man that faced lions, bears, and war. He had fought and conquered thousands knowing that God was with him. David was anointed to be king of Israel, but when he knew Saul wanted him dead he started running. David even lied and acted like he was crazy out of fear. We can also do things we would not normally do when we let fear take over. We must remember that God is in control and stop to listen to what God would have us do.
When was a time you let fear control your actions and how could you have turned to God instead?