Keilah Archives - Dennis Conrad Author

We All Need Encouragement!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who provide encouragement. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you ever felt trapped?

Just as you think things could not get worse, would you expect to be encouraged?

Saul hoped to be rid of David.

Saul thought he had trapped David in Keilah, but David made a decision to flee with his men before Saul could surround the town. In 1 Samuel 23:13(ESV) we learn David’s men “went wherever they could go.”

In 1 Samuel 23:15-18 (ESV) we learn even though David was on the run, a friend comes along side of him.

“David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. David was in the wilderness of Ziph at Horesh. And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. And he said to him, ‘Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.’ And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home.”

With the threat of death hanging over David, God sent Jonathan to provided encouragement.

Who can you come along side of and encourage? Think about it. Reach out and encourage someone today.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Seek The Lord’s Guidance!

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who seek your guidance before taking action. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We learn in 1 Samuel 23:1-5 (ESV) David sought you wisdom prior to taking action.

“Now they told David, ‘Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are robbing the threshing floors.’ Therefore David inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I go and attack these Philistines?’ And the Lord said to David, ‘Go and attack the Philistines and save Keilah.’ But David’s men said to him, ‘Behold, we are afraid here in Judah; how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?’ Then David inquired of the Lord again. And the Lord answered him, ‘Arise, go down to Keilah, for I will give the Philistines into your hand.’ And David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and brought away their livestock and struck them with a great blow. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah.”

Rather than David taking matters into his own hands, notice how David continued to seek advice from the Lord. He also asked for clarification.

It could be said that David received his marching orders from the Lord.

Is the Lord involved in your decision making? Although your circumstances are different, do you ask the Lord to give you direction and ask for clarification if you are ever unsure?

Tell me what you think in the comments below.