David took these words to heart and greatly feared Achish king of Gath. So he disguised his sanity before them, and acted insanely in their hands, and scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva run down into his beard. Then Achish said to his servants, “Behold, you see the man behaving as a madman. Why do you bring him to me? Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this one to act the madman in my presence? Shall this one come into my house?”
So David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam; and when his brothers and all his father’s household heard of it, they went down there to him. Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him; and he became captain over them. Now there were about four hundred men with him. 1 Samuel 21:12-15, 22:1-2
This is the lowest point perhaps in David’s life. He is reduced to pretending to be a madman before Achish of Gath. He is carrying the very sword that Goliath held when David, filled with the power of God’s Spirit, defeated the giant. Now, David’s confidence is so low that he fears for his life. Achish’s response is so funny, “do I lack madmen?” I guess like all leaders, he looked around and said, do I really need one more problem in my ranks. Don’t miss the fact that David would have defected to the army of Gath, the enemy of God’s people. Low point indeed. But, God provided a place to recover. The cave of Adullam. In this case, David would learn another lesson… misery loves company, especially bad company.
How about me? Where do I recover when stress and fear have gripped my life? Sometimes I retreat into my own world of doing handyman projects. Playing sports is another haven. Serving others is what usually connects me back to sanity. And lastly, getting into nature, like surfing for the day, helps me sense God. And lastly, being in good company and times of corporate worship.
Lord, You have made us with a whole spectrum of emotions. I am glad that You have. Whenever I navigate through difficult times, help me remain holy and in good company. Jesus, I am glad you expressed joy and sadness, confidence and doubt, clarity and confusion. In all of this, You found Your way to our heavenly Father. You are my model in all things.
