Weekly Devotion for May 1, 2023

Weekly Devotion & Prayer 
by Scott Carlson

Pursued

 
“Saul went on one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side of the mountain.  David was hurrying to get away from Saul and his men were closing in on David and his men to capture them . . . So Saul stopped pursuing David . . . therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape (I Samuel 23:26 & 28).”
 
In the book of 1 Samuel, we learn about the early history of Israel.  In this story, we meet King Saul, the first King of Israel.  He often acted on his own without seeking God. Finally, God became so angry that God chose a new person to become King. We are introduced to David, who loved God and yearned for God.  Who often (at least at this point in the story) regularly sought out God and worked to be faithful.
 
In the scripture referenced today, David is running away from King Saul, who is actively pursuing him. It was a close call.  King Saul and his army are literally on the other side of the mountain.
 
Do you know what it is like to be pursued?  Do you know what it is like to be chased?
 
There have been many times when I have felt pursued by life's challenges.   Challenges can come from family, work, health (or countless other places).  It is not easy to feel as if we are being pursued.  If you have ever felt chased, take heart.  We are not the first to have felt that.
 
When David realized King Saul was turning against him, he continually turned to God for assistance and guidance.  In those moments when I have felt pursued by difficulties, I try to learn from David.  I seek out God and God’s guidance. 
 
One of my regular practices is to pray, read scripture, and journal in the morning.  This is often the time for me to bring my hopes and concerns to God. Likewise, when I am being hounded by a problem, I bring this before God as well.  I have learned that every time I have brought an issue to God, God has helped me through it. 
 
Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for walking with us through life.  There are moments when we face challenges that seem overwhelming; help us seek you and learn from you.  Come to touch us where we most need your touch and your grace. Help us to be faithful to you in all we do. In the hope that Jesus offers us. Amen.