In Times Like These

The context of Psalm 34 revolves around the time of King Saul. David, fleeing from King Saul’s relentless pursuit, sought refuge in the Philistine city of Gath. Unfortunately, Gath was the hometown of Goliath, whom David had previously defeated. Recognizing David, the Philistine officials promptly brought him before King Achish.

Concerned for his safety, David chose to humiliate himself rather than face certain death. He resorted to a dramatic display of insanity, involving public antics and defiling his dignity.

In the ancient Near East, an adult man’s beard was an absolute symbol of honor, dignity, and wisdom. Allowing spit to continuously fall down his beard was a severe loss of self-respect. To the Philistines, this behavior was both shocking and deeply convincing. The king, disgusted and annoyed, drove the “madman” away, allowing David to escape unscathed.

Imagine that God had actually rejected King Saul in 1 Samuel 15 because of his disobedience, and then instructed the prophet Samuel to anoint the young shepherd David as the new king in 1 Samuel 16. The story of David’s madness can be found in 1 Samuel 21. How could someone anointed by God be in such humiliation? This has always been a profound mystery to many, not comprehending the workings and ways of God. 

Jesus Christ says, “For everyone who boasts will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) This doesn’t mean David boasted, but before God uses people, He first humbles them. The same happened to Joseph. Have we ever considered that God might be humbling us right now?

Thanks be to God! Despite the extreme degradation, David recognized God’s hand in his survival. After this escape, he composed Psalm 34, in which he declares that the Lord saved him from his fears and encourages the brokenhearted to seek refuge in God. This incident exemplifies God’s protection over His anointed king, even in moments of profound weakness and failure.

Many times, we fail to acknowledge God’s grace and timely rescue. The Bible says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalms 34:18)

No matter the circumstances or odds, in times like these, the Lord will always be with us. He will hold us by His hand, saving and restoring us. However, we must learn humility. Only then can we be useful to God. Trust in God! He is the Potter who molds us, the clay, into the form that pleases Him. 

Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!