Attacked After the Mountaintop

By Samantha Rodriguez

“Saul was told that David had gone to Keilah, and he said, ‘God has delivered him into my hands, for David has imprisoned himself by entering a town with gates and bars.’ And Saul called up all his forces for battle, to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. When David learned that Saul was plotting against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, ‘Bring the ephod.’ David said, ‘Lord, God of Israel, your servant has heard definitely that Saul plans to come to Keilah and destroy the town on account of me. Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me to him? Will Saul come down, as your servant has heard? Lord, God of Israel, tell your servant.’ And the Lord said, ‘He will.’ Again David asked, ‘Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men to Saul?’ And the Lord said, ‘They will.’ So David and his men, about six hundred in number, left Keilah and kept moving from place to place. When Saul was told that David had escaped from Keilah, he did not go there.”—1 Samuel 23:7–13 (NIV)

Saul’s attempts to kill David have been unfailing! I think we can agree he sure was persistent. This attempt is particularly interesting though. As we read yesterday, David has just received word from God to go deliver the city of Keilah from the Philistines. He was assured of victory, and he received exactly that! Nonetheless, upon hearing the news, Saul immediately starts the trek down to Keilah to try and ambush David in a moment where he should be enjoying his sweet success. Sound familiar? The enemy will try to attack us at those exact moments, too!

Have you ever come back from an incredible experience with God? Perhaps it was a conference, retreat, or camp. It’s not unusual for it to be especially challenging to return to “normal life.” I know from personal experience! I think these experiences have a beautiful value to them. When they’re crafted around truth and bring people to a deeper knowledge of God, they propel people into a rhythm of walking with Him in everyday life. Retreats, conferences, and camps are never meant to replace or become our everyday routines. They’re there to help us step out of our routines to meet with God, learn more about Him, enjoy Him, and be refreshed for where He’s called us to serve Him and walk with Him in our everyday lives.

But guess what the enemy hates? When we get closer to God and walk obediently to Him daily. So, what do we do when we’re walking in obedience to God and enjoying the celebration and joy that comes from mountaintop experiences? We can look to David as our example!

When David heard about the attack Saul was planning, he knew exactly what to do because it was what he had been doing all along—inquiring of God. David went to God before every decision in this story. He didn’t want to move without knowing first if the news he heard was actually true. He also wanted to make a wise choice that would protect him and his entire army. For this reason, he inquires of the Lord and then makes the choice to flee Keilah. Despite knowing that the people of Keilah, whom hehad just saved, would betray him to Saul, he leaves justice in the hands of God and moves on.

What does this look like for us? We must similarly prioritize being honest with God in prayer. We cannot let either pride or disappointment, frustration or doubt, get in the way from approaching God boldly with our questions. Most importantly, we must flee the enemy under the promise of God’s protection and direction.

Despite the circumstances, David knew God was with him and worthy to be trusted and praised. You see his heart poured out in the Psalms, some of which were written while he was repeatedly dodging Saul all those years. We, too, can rejoice even when facing attack. Equip yourself with the armor of God, His truth, peace and intercession from the Spirit, and continual prayer and gratitude! Whether you’re on the mountaintop or in the valley low, or perhaps just coming out of one or strolling on a plateau, He’s right beside you and always ready to guide you.

Pause: Have you ever felt attacked and discouraged after a beautiful spiritual experience or deep personal encounter with God? What was it like and how did you respond?

Practice: Go before God on your own today and pray specifically for strength in the battle. Identify where you might feel attacked and ask Him to remind you of His encouraging truth and to show you His presence in the midst of it.

Pray: Heavenly Father, You are so good to me. Even when I can’t see or understand how You’re working, I trust You are. I ask today that You guide me, one step at a time, especially when I’m under attack by the darts of the enemy. I don’t want to stray from the path You have for me, so whenever the enemy tries to mislead me, Holy Spirit, remind me of the truth as I flee the temptation. I belong to You Lord, and I will follow You wherever you lead! Amen.