Waiting While the War Rages

Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” So Saul eyed David from that day forward. 1^st Samuel 18:8-9 (NKJV)

Even as God had rejected Saul, the man doggedly held onto power and declared war on God’s newly anointed king in the young shepherd, David.

It is estimated at the time of his confrontation with Goliath David may have been between 15-17 years old. He would not ascend to full kingship over the nation until age 30, around 993 BC. In the intervening years David and those loyal to him remained on the run from Saul’s fury, hiding and living in caves throughout the wilderness.

Saul was brutal in his hatred of David. After the priest Ahimelek gave David and his followers permission to eat the tabernacle’s consecrated bread of the Presence (1 Sam 21:6, Luke 6:3-4), Saul ordered 85 Levitical priests executed, destroying their town of Nob, putting to death everyone, including children and infants, slaughtering even their livestock (Sam. 22:19).

David patiently waited for God to perform His word while war raged around him. During those years there were moments of fear, terror, and comfort in his faith. Read through his psalms and it is evident. Yet he knew the Lord’s love always protected, was always trustworthy, always offered hope, and always persevered (1^st Corinthians 13:7).

If you are waiting while your war rages, be encouraged. It might be roaring around you and you may be on the verge of folding but take heart. Remember how David patiently waited and trusted the true Word of God through those many years between His promises. David had that Word through Samuel, and in Christ we have His Word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

David’s psalms record his high points and low. Not every day was a victory, nor every day a defeat. Through many days of uncertainty and nights of despair, he always recounted God’s faithfulness.  

If you are in a war that has no ending, I can only encourage you to wait, trust, and be patient as did David and his men. Your battle may have been ignited by another or even circumstances beyond your control, yet the battle belongs to our Lord Jesus Christ. Even when it seems battles are lost, His power is holding the enemy at bay, keeping him from doing greater damage. He will always finish the fight and in any battles lost, win every war (2^nd Corinthians 10:4, 1^st Corinthians 15:57).

Remember the Lord’s greeting to a frightened Gideon, hiding from his enemies, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). The battle belongs to the Lord. Let this be your comfort and peace as the war rages while you wait. The Lord is with you mighty warrior. Grace and peace to you through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Eternally Triumphant.

Ken