David pretends to be insane

Fearing Saul, David fled to Gath, one of the five major cities of the Philistines. This was also the hometown of Goliath. David went there with Goliath’s sword. (1) David must have had some conviction that it was safe to trust Achish king of Gath. (2) However, David’s identity was quickly discovered by the Philistines. They remembered well of David, as the one who had slain their hero Goliath with just a sling. (3) They referred to David as “the king.” Although Saul was the king, the Philistines seemed to have saw David to be the king. (4) Having his true identity discovered, David was very afraid of Achish king of Gath. He resorted to pretending he was insane in a quite painful acting and managed to escape from Gath. In this event, also, we see David’s faith wavering. Anything that comes out from disbelief, can surely lead us into deeper problems. What’s necessary is for us to return to the basics with repentance. A simple faith is ultimately what leads us to victory.

Psalms 56 & 34

Afterward, it seems David repented before the Lord. He restored his trust in the Lord and wrote two exquisite psalms, which are Psalms 56 and 34. Please read these psalms, preferably in the order of Psalm 56, then Psalm 34. The hardships we encounter in life can be the driving force behind creating something beautiful. Consider that if David had not faced these difficulties, these psalms would not have been born, and adjust our own attitude towards hardships. Psalm 34 states, “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Are you praising the Lord at all times? Praise is not a matter of feeling, but a decision. When you decide to praise the Lord in every circumstance, then the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will fill our hearts.