Stay here with me, and don’t be afraid. I will protect you with my own life, for the same person wants to kill us both.” 1 Samuel 22:23 NIV
King Saul was so afraid that David was conspiring to kill him, that he attacked anyone who had helped David in the past. He found out that a priest, Ahimelech, had helped David with food and wisdom from the Lord. He ordered the death of the priest and the entire group (85) and their families. None of the sons of Israel would kill the priest, but a foreigner, an Edomite, killed the priest and family. Only 1 son, Abiathar, escaped and went to David for help. David asked Abiathar to stay under his protection.
Death, senseless crimes, retaliation, hatred of others, killing of innocent people, racial discord, and unfairness have been with mankind from the beginning of the fall of man. The first two brother’s had conflict leading to murder. Cain let sin have mastery over himself and killed his brother, which action was born out of envy and jealousy.
When anxiousness and fear arise – find a trusted friend or authority.
As children, both young and older, we can normally find peace with our parents. This is one of the God given roles for parenting is the protection for our children. Many of life’s trials are buffeted underneath the covering that parents offer for their children.
Sometimes a sibling becomes the covering for his brothers and sisters. God grants wisdom to a person, who just seems to know the right thing to do. Comfort can be found underneath wisdom.
Husbands and wives can find solace together. One can put a thousand to flight, two can put ten thousand to ‘go a running’. The husband is the covering, but there is strength when the two work together to engage life’s unpredictable curve balls.
God still uses governmental authorities. Some are bad, but not all. King Saul’s paranoia caused harm to many around him. But God’s pattern is for good authorities to bring peace to the citizens. Pray for those in authority over you. Ask God to raise up good leaders.
Finally, King Jesus is a faithful covering. All authority in heaven and earth has been granted to Him. He will lead and guide the children of God all of their lives. Even in persecution, He is still in charge. They may hurt the body, but they cannot touch the soul which is safely and securely in the hands of the Father. When I am afraid, we can trust in King Jesus.
Who do you provide covering and peace for?
Who is your covering when life gets rough?
Trusted and honest relationships are God’s method to help provide covering in the middle of fearful events. Stay planted in God’s word. They are life to those who find them. Hang out with people who know how to leverage hope by recalling the encouragement of God’s words.
Blessings Love y’all