You remember the story from 10^th century B.C. David was anointed to be the next king of Israel by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).  King Saul tried to murder David (1 Samuel 18:11).

Now David has escaped and is hiding in a cave at Engedi (1 Samuel 23:29-24:1-3).

The history

¹(Maschil of David; A Prayer when he was in the cave.) I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. ²I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. ³When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

The problem

⁴I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. ⁵I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. ⁶Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

Refuge = shelter and protection from danger

Portion = part of the whole allotted to one

Deliver = to set free

Persecutors = to pursue persistently with harassing, oppressive treatment

Have you ever felt alone with no one to care about you?

What does it mean to you for the Lord to be your portion in the land of the living?

The request

⁷Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.

Do you know what it is like to feel your soul is in prison? What other words would you use to describe that feeling?

Do you find it hard to praise God in some circumstances?

Why do you think David desires the righteous people to surround him?

Do you expect God to deal bountifully with you? Why or why not?

Our focus = Hebrews 12:¹Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, ² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Our challenge = Dearly Beloved,

Run with your eyes on Jesus alone!

Run in faith that Jesus loves you, has uniquely designed and created only one you, has a good plan for your life, runs with you and will accomplish His purposes for you and through you!

Run in His strength alone!

Run with your eyes on the prize!

Run with the desire to finish strong!

Run with the desire to finish with your lamp burning!

Run with the expectation of being in His physical presence when you cross your finish line!

Run to His glory alone!

Run and keep on running!

Coach Patti