“David stayed in the wilderness strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands. 15 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.” 1 Samuel 23.14-18
The Desert of Ziph was not a small area—60 miles long and 10–20 miles wide. It lies between the Judean Hills and the Dead Sea, which makes sense why Saul could not find David. It was during this time, in these hills, that David wrote many of the Psalms. He was running for his life, even after being anointed by Samuel to be the future king of Israel.
But there was another reason Saul didn’t find David: the Lord did not allow it. Three times in these five verses, God is mentioned. The Lord is with David, and David knows it. He loves the Lord, has a heart for Him, and is God’s chosen man for this time. Even Jonathan, the king’s son, makes a covenant with David, saying, “You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.”
Jonathan was like a brother to David while Saul hated and hunted him in the wilderness. Yet God was guiding David’s steps. Even in a time of isolation, even in a time of exile, God offered David strength, guidance, and hope.
Have you walked through “desert” times? Have you felt lost and alone, as if people were coming to hunt you down? Maybe you’re in that season now, with things not going your way and uphill battles to climb. But like David, God is with you. If your heart is set on the Lord, then find hope in Him. Know that no matter where you go, God is with you.
I’ve had desert moments in my own life—times when I felt abandoned. But God was always near. He is with me and you today. Sometimes we think Heaven is up in space, near the moon or beyond. But I believe Heaven is among us, as Jesus said. I imagine it just out of reach of my outstretched arm—Heaven’s floor is my bedroom’s ceiling. God is near. He is here. The Holy Spirit wants to fill you with the power of love and save you with the blood of Jesus.
Turn to Him today. Even while walking through a wilderness, God is with you.
“O Lord God, thank You for loving and saving me. Thank You for Your power and grace. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love. Help me know that You are a good and faithful God, that You search for me when I hide from enemies. You are with me and I am your child. I love you Lord and praise your name. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen