David's Friend Visits When He Needed Him Most

By Mary Vee
I Samuel 23, Pslam 63

David's Thoughts

I felt like a fox hunted by a hound.

My men and I hid in the strongholds in the wilderness watching, ever watching for one of Saul's spies. And who would know a spy from another man?

I had to put my trust in the great God Almighty to rest his Spirit upon me to guide my decisions when to move to a new place and when to stay hidden where we were.

One day I saw, again, how my Lord directs. My best friend in all the world visited me. How is it that the very son of the man who hunted me could find us? Truly God knew my need for a conversation with someone my age, someone who loved God as much as I, someone who dedicated his life to the will of God.

I had been sitting in the back of the cave when one of my men announced Jonathan's arrival. I have been treated as a royal, as their commander, as their leader. My men expected me to sit while they escorted my friend to me.

No way!

I ran past them to greet him, as he deserved. I hugged him and welcomed him into our gathering. "Tell me all that is happening." I said.

He told me the evil his father had been saying, how king Saul neglected his other duties to hunt  me, how the people of Judah felt torn between their allegiance to king Saul or me.

"I don't want this. I never wanted the people to turn away from your father. He is king, chosen by God and should have the backing of the people."

Jonathan nodded. "I know. But, in truth, my friend, if I had to choose between my father who has turned away from God and my friend who loves God, I'd choose my friend in a heartbeat."

A powerful strength came over me. I wanted to dance for the Lord right there. So I did. I led the men in a dance of praise to my God, the King of Israel. A song came to heart, I've included the words below now called Psalm 63.

After the dance Jonathan and I told stories and laughed. "How is it that the Lord shows His love by not allowing Saul to find us, yet He guided you to me this very day that we might help each other with our words?"

Jonathan shook his head. "I cannot pretend to know. Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father, he shall not find you. You will be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Even my father Saul knows that."

"Jonathan, you shall, and always will be my friend. God be with you each step you take."

"And David, you shall, and always will be my king and friend. May the Lord bless you mightily."

We talked for hours. 

Before the sun rose, when the shadows kept secrets, Jonathan left.

How can I thank God for sending my friend to encourage me?

Psalm 63

A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah

O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You
In a dry and thirsty land
Where there is no water.
² So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory.

³ Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.
⁴ Thus I will bless You while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your name.
⁵ My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

⁶ When I remember You on my bed,
I meditate on You in the night watches.
⁷ Because You have been my help,
Therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.
⁸ My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

⁹ But those who seek my life, to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower parts of the earth.
¹⁰ They shall fall by the sword;
They shall be a portion for jackals.

¹¹ But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.

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Photo courtesy of Christianimageresource.com

1.  Why did David feel like a fox?
2.  Where had David hidden
3.  How did David know where and when to go or hide?
4.  Who found David?
5.  What did David do when he saw him?
6.  What did Jonathan say to David?
7.  How did Jonathan find David?
8.  What is Psalm 63 about?