Church Update
April 15, 2025
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
This past Sunday we looked at David running from Saul in 1 Samuel 21:1-22:5. To this point, we have seen nothing but incredible trust in the Lord from this shepherd boy. But the pressure of being hunted continues to build for David, and here we see his wavering faith. He lies to a priest, he leans on a sword, and he flees to another nation. But in the midst of David’s wavering faith, we also see an unwavering God who graciously reminds David of His power and presence.
I don’t know about you, but the majority of the lessons I’ve learned from God have come in moments of weakness and failure. The truth that adheres most to my heart often comes through my own brokenness. This is the grace of God, and David experienced that grace as his faith wavered.
David wrote Psalm 34 as a reflection of what happened in 1 Samuel 21, and in it we see some of the lessons he learned. Here are just a few:
On his desperate need for bread and a sword:
“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Ps 34:10)
On his lying and deceitfulness:
“Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.” (Ps 34:13)
On his need for rescue and restoration:
“The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.” (Ps 34:22)
As we recognize and leave the strongholds of our own making, may we taste and see the Lord’s goodness and His ability to satisfy us.
In Christ,
Pastor Jeremy