There is a story of the early years of David, an Israelite.  He was the one who at 16 was called upon to kill the giant with a rock and a slingshot.  He also killed a bear and a lion with his own hands in seeking to protect the sheep he was herding.  It is a fascinating story of the growth of this young lad who was put in King Saul’s army after killing the giant.  It was said of David after coming in from battle that Saul killed his 1000s and David his 10,000s.

Saul was becoming more and more angry at David and all the accolades he was getting and finally forced him out of the country where David found a bunch of yahoos (nobodies really) who decided to follow David.  Wherever David went he had victory because he always asked the Lord for guidance and direction.  I’ve given you a backdrop for the interesting story about David and his army rejects.

David decided to go over to the enemy camp of the Philistines with his loyalists and work with the enemy.  Achish was the king and the following passage depicts the relationship that David developed with the king.  “When Achish asked, “Where did you go raiding today?” David would say, “Against the Negev of Judah” or “Against the Negev of Jerahmeel” or “Against the Negev of the Kenites.” He did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he thought, “They might inform on us and say, ‘This is what David did.’ ” And such was his practice as long as he lived in Philistine territory. Achish trusted David and said to himself, “He has become so obnoxious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant for life.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭27:10-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Not only did the enemy King Achish become loyal to David, but you would think that his reprobate army followers would be loyal to him as well.  Whatever they put their hands to they were successful.  Every enemy was completely destroyed.  Wouldn’t you want to follow someone who batted 1000.

Have you ever had a best friend that you had total trust in?  You could tell them anything and you would feel safe.  They had your back.  Your trusted friend.  Your confident.  Your best friend.  Have you ever experienced that relationship unraveling and falling apart?  It’s the worst feeling ever.

David had this band of brothers that seemingly trusted him fully, but something happened.  They were on a mission to fight with King Achish, but it didn’t work out and they were forced to go back to their home town, only to find that the town had been ransacked and their women and children were taken.  The following passage reflects what happened to people whom David trusted when they came upon some difficult situations.  “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.” 1 Samuel‬ ‭30:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

David turned to God and found strength in the Lord his God.  There will be times when those who we trust the most will let us down.  If our focus is on human strength and bonding, we will experience at times those who fall away.  It’s a lesson of where we need to put our trust in someone who will never leave nor will ever forsake us.

On this journey, trust will be in play as we interact with others and with the Lord.  Keeping our focus on the One who will always be there is vitally important as we hit inevitable potholes in life.