“The Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hakilah, south of Jeshimon?20 Now, Your Majesty, come down whenever it pleases you to do so, and we will be responsible for giving him into your hands.” 21 Saul replied, “The Lord bless you for your concern for me. 22 Go and get more information. Find out where David usually goes and who has seen him there. They tell me he is very crafty. 23 Find out about all the hiding places he uses and come back to me with definite information. Then I will go with you; if he is in the area, I will track him down among all the clans of Judah.” 24 So they set out and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. Now David and his men were in the Desert of Maon, in the Arabah south of Jeshimon. 25 Saul and his men began the search, and when David was told about it, he went down to the rock and stayed in the Desert of Maon. When Saul heard this, he went into the Desert of Maon in pursuit of David. 26 Saul was going along one side of the mountain, and David and his men were on the other side, hurrying to get away from Saul. As Saul and his forces were closing in on David and his men to capture them, 27 a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly! The Philistines are raiding the land.” 28 Then Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.[b]29 And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.” 1 Samuel 23.19-29
Saul was relentless in his pursuit of David. He chased him and his men all over the wilderness. He even had Ziphites acting as spies to tell of David’s whereabouts. It took the invasion of the Philistines into the land of Israel for Saul to call off his pursuit of David, and that was just temporary.
After running and dodging and even being on the same mountain as Saul and his army, David ends up going and living in the strongholds of En Gedi, which is where he stayed for some time. It is also in this place where David writes some of the psalms, finds refuge in the Lord, and safety from his pursuers.
En Gedi, meaning spring of the wild goats, is a valley off the Dead Sea. It is near the wilderness of Judea and is a desolate place, except for beautiful waterfalls and a stream running down, providing lush greenery and an oasis in the midst of the desert. I’ve been there on every trip I have made to the Holy Land, and it’s one of my favorite places. To sit near a waterfall and read the story of David and his psalms puts my soul at peace.
Even in the middle of pursuit, David also found peace at En Gedi. He found hope in a harbor of safety and solitude. There, the Lord spoke to him and reminded him of his purpose, God’s provision, and the good plans God had in store for David.
Today, in Texas, it’s springtime. I’m in the middle of wonderful, fulfilling ministries, seeing the Lord’s promises fulfilled and finding strength from His Spirit. I am finding myself reminded of God’s faithfulness to me. As another week comes and goes, I find God remaining faithful to His calling upon my life. First, a call to be in relationship with Him, and second, a call to full-time ministry.
Even when I find myself lacking motivation, seeking strength and help to accomplish these callings—I am met by the person of Jesus who loves, forgives, and rekindles my hope and purpose in Him.
You might find yourself in a place of En Gedi this day. Maybe you are in an oasis surrounded by a sea of sand. Maybe there are enemies pressing in on all sides, and you need the grace to stand. Regardless of your situation, the Lord is near. His promises for you are good, and His love is faithful.
No matter your circumstance, Christ will meet you where you are. Even in the midst of the pursuit of evil, God pursues you with His good grace. Lean into that love, and you will find Him willing and waiting to fill your cup to overflowing.
“O Lord God, thank You for allowing me to walk in step with You. Not that I am perfect—‘Heaven’s no!’ You know my struggles, and You know my insecurities. But in You, I find completion. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and love. Remind me of Your good plans for me that I might be your person. For you are good and your love endures forever. Amen.”