Abide Thou With Me

Today’s Verse

Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard. ~1 Samuel 22:23

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Abiathar narrowly escaped death at the hands of Saul and his soldiers. He watched in horror as the ruthless Doeg, the Edomite, slaughtered 85 priests, including Ahimelech, his father and all the people who lived in the city of Nob. Abiathar fled to David not only to tell him what happened, but to also find help. When your world and your dreams come crashing down, where do you go and what do you do? Let us see how David’s promise to Abiathar gives us hope and encouragement.

We see a community.

“For he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life.” Sometimes, we think we are the only ones going through challenging times. David reminded Abiathar that they were in the same community. Whether it is anxiety, discouragement, financial woes, grieving, loss of direction, rejection, wrongful accusations, or struggling with sin, we must remember that there are others going through the same type of problems. Others who are going through similar circumstances but are seeing victory give us hope and encouragement.

We see the communion.

“Abide thou with me.” First, draw near to God when tough times come. God is there for us, but we must take time to have sweet and close fellowship with Him. The nearer we are to God, the safer we are insulated from our challenges. Second, we must draw near to people who are spiritually strong and will help pray us through our trials. We do not need the counsel of the ungodly, nor should we stand in the way of sinners when problems come. David learned that, though he walked through the valley of the shadow of death, he feared no evil. Find company with believers who are close to God and have the mind of God.

We see the courage.

Abiathar’s nerves were rattled. He was crying, nervous, and very uncertain about his future. David told him, “Fear not.” “Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Be of good courage in times of darkness, discouragement, and even defeat. When our eyes are on the Lord, He gives us courage. God is bigger than our problems and our enemy. God is bigger than the words and threats that intimidate us. Fear not!

We see a covering.

“With me thou shalt be in safeguard.” Abiathar was safe with David. You are safe with Jesus! Jesus is a Refuge for us when the storms of life are raining and thundering. He covers us with His wings. The shadow of the Most High will not fail us. Jesus takes responsibility for us, just as David did for Abiathar. You can trust Jesus with your problem! You can trust Jesus to keep you safe, no matter how terrified you might be.

We see a comfort.

There was comfort in David’s promise. Comfort is when our confidence is strengthened and our worries are dismantled. There is peace and safety in comfort. Abiathar did stay with David. He found a new home with David and his men. His security was strengthened. Over time, he saw the mighty hand of God on David and realized that he had made a wise and right decision by staying with him. “Abide thou with me… with me thou shalt be in safeguard.” “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Have a comforted God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Leviticus 16-18

#1Samuel #Refuge #Protection #Communion #Comfort #Safety