David’s Unbelief that delayed his blessings and brought destruction

Unbelief can stem from a stubborn heart that does not accept a changed reality

We have all read about David and how God chose him to be the King of Israel over Saul. The Bible states that David was a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22). We have also read about his transgression concerning Bathsheba after he ascended the throne. I was surprised when the Holy Spirit revealed David's unbelief that delayed his ascension to the throne (God's Promise). This revelation holds lessons for us today.

In 1 Samuel 24, the Bible recounts that Saul was alone in a cave to relieve himself, where David and his men were hiding. However, David did not allow his men to strike down Saul. He says in 1 Samuel 24:6, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord's anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the Lord."

David considered Saul his master, even though Saul was pursuing him to kill him, while the Lord, in His mercy, was protecting David. The lesson for us here is not to eulogize any person, even if they are a man of God. The Bible states in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".

The Bible clearly indicates that God removed Saul from his kingship in 1 Samuel 15:23. The spirit of God had also departed from Saul (1 Samuel 16:14) just after David was anointed king according to God's word to Samuel. The crown never rests on two people; the anointing of the king is only on one person.

Strangely, David did not consult God on these two occasions about what he should do when God gave Saul into his hands. David did not go searching for Saul; rather, God brought Saul to David.

The Bible relates that after the second time David let Saul escape, he became even more afraid of Saul (1 Samuel 27:1), voicing his unbelief: "Now I shall perish by the hand of Saul". The lesson here is that when we act against God's plan or fail to seek His guidance in prayer, trusting our own beliefs and instincts instead, we may stop believing in God's promises and start fearing our situation or adversary.

Moreover, as we read from 1 Samuel 27 onward, we realize what a wretched double life David began living:

1. David goes to Achish, the King of the Philistines

2. David repeatedly lies to Achish about the raids he conducts for survival

3. To keep Achish from discovering his lies, he kills every person from the villages he raids

David is now under the protection of the Philistines – those whom God hated. He has become a liar. Worst of all, the Bible does not mention David seeking the Lord during this period of darkness. What a fall for a man God describes as "one after my heart."

The Bible recounts in 1 Samuel 30 that the Amalekites attacked David's encampment in Ziklag and carried away his wives, children, and all that belonged to him and his people. David lost everything he had, and his men wanted to stone him. That's the point when the Bible says David sought the Lord.

Dear child of God do not wait till you lose everything to seek the Lord. When in doubt, always kneel before Jesus – He is faithful to guide you in the right direction.

Never trust anything, even if it comes from a man of God, if it does not conform to the Word of God – The Bible.