Anointed and soon to be King David was being pursued by Saul and sought refuge in a cave of Adullum. Other in distress came and gathered with David–nearly 400 other outlaws. While in hiding, God sent David a messenger, Gad.
Gad instructed David,
“Do not stay in the stronghold. Go into the land of Judah.”
1 Sam 22: 1-5 NLT
I don’t know about you, sunshine, but I have found myself hiding in many caves in my lifetime.
Seasons of despair. Will I ever get married?
Periods of grief. Why didn’t God wait five more minutes so I could’ve said goodbye to my nana before she died?
Times of worry. Will my business succeed?
Moments of sadness. I’m happy for her but will I ever have a baby?
Eras of shame. I’m a hypocrite–I had a relationship with a married man!
Spans of fear. Where am I going to get the money to pay my mortgage?
Some of these spells have been long-lasting.
Like for real. I’m talking decades, sunshine.
And others were short-lived.
Thank God for those brief bouts.
Regardless, much like the picture above of me hiking, I have entered caves–sometimes of my own volition while other times I’ve questioned in wonderment, “How did I get here?”
A single wrong turn resulted into 100 other poor choices. And the next thing you know, I don’t even recognize who I am anymore.
But just like David (who happens to be my favorite Bible character), God sent me a messenger. I had my own personal Gad and was reminded that I needn’t stay in the stronghold of sin--despair, grief, worry, sadness, shame, fear–I must leave and go into the land of Judah. And in case you didn’t know, sunshine, Judah means “praise.”
And now, after my most recent coming-out-of-the-cave-experience, (which I will delve deeper at Be My Vision) I’m able to praise God who comes looking for me and runs to me–every time. (Gen 3:9; Luke 15:11-32)
And He’ll do the same for you, sunshine.
If you are in a cave right now, perhaps I’m your messenger.
I’m here to remind you, sunshine, it’s time to leave your stronghold and go to the land of praise!
Let me know if and how this speaks to you and how I can pray for you, too. |
