Trusting God in Uncertainty: David's Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound journey of seeking the Lord, even when the path ahead is unclear. Drawing from the life of David, we examined how he sought refuge among the Philistines, his enemies, as he waited for God's promises to unfold. This act of seeking the Lord wasn't about having a clear, step-by-step plan but about doing the next best thing in faith. David's story teaches us that sometimes God's will is still in the process of unfolding, and our role is to trust Him and take the next step, even when it doesn't make sense.
We often find ourselves in situations where we desire immediate answers and clear directions from God. However, the reality is that faith doesn't always provide a complete roadmap. Instead, it offers just enough light to take the next step. This can be challenging, especially when we face rejection, isolation, or fear. Yet, it's in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. We are called to trust God, even when our circumstances are far from ideal.
The message also highlighted the importance of integrity and character in our walk with God. David didn't take matters into his own hands by killing Saul; instead, he trusted God to handle the situation. This teaches us to do the right thing, even when it's difficult, and to leave the outcomes in God's hands. Our journey of faith is often messy and filled with doubts, but it's in these moments that we must continue to seek the Lord and trust that He is working behind the scenes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in Uncertainty: David's decision to seek refuge among the Philistines, despite the uncertainty, teaches us that seeking the Lord often means taking steps without knowing the full plan. Trusting God in these moments of uncertainty is crucial, as His will is still unfolding. [01:29]
2. Do the Next Best Thing: When faced with unclear paths, focus on doing the next best thing. This principle encourages us to take small, faithful steps, trusting that God will guide us through each phase of our journey. [04:35]
3. Integrity and Character: David's refusal to kill Saul, despite having the opportunity, underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and character. Trusting God to handle our battles allows us to act righteously and leave the outcomes to Him. [06:22]
4. Faith in the Midst of Fear: Even when David was filled with fear and doubt, he continued to seek the Lord. This teaches us that faith doesn't eliminate fear but empowers us to trust God despite it. [10:04]
5. Ugly Trust: Faith isn't always pretty or easy. It often involves messy, painful, and challenging moments. However, it's in these "ugly" moments that our trust in God is deepened, and we experience His lifting hand. [11:47]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Trust in Uncertainty
[04:35] - Do the Next Best Thing
[05:40] - Facing Isolation and Fear
[06:22] - Integrity and Character
[08:09] - The Reality of Seeking God
[10:04] - Faith in the Midst of Fear
[11:47] - Ugly Trust
[13:56] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Samuel 27:1-4 - David seeks refuge among the Philistines.
2. 1 Peter 5:6 - "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time."
#### Observation Questions
1. What motivated David to seek refuge among the Philistines, and how did this decision reflect his faith in God? [01:29]
2. How did David's refusal to kill Saul demonstrate his integrity and trust in God's timing? [06:22]
3. What does the phrase "ugly trust" mean in the context of David's journey and the sermon? [11:47]
4. How did David's actions during his time with the Philistines show his commitment to doing the next best thing? [04:35]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does David's decision to live among the Philistines illustrate the concept of trusting God in uncertainty? [01:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that maintaining integrity and character can be challenging but necessary in our walk with God? [06:22]
3. How can the idea of "ugly trust" help us understand the nature of faith during difficult times? [11:47]
4. What does 1 Peter 5:6 teach us about humility and waiting for God's timing, and how does this relate to David's story?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God without knowing the full plan. How did you handle the uncertainty, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:29]
2. Think about a situation where you had to choose between doing the right thing and taking an easier, less ethical path. How did you decide, and what was the outcome? [06:22]
3. Identify a current challenge in your life where you need to practice "ugly trust." What steps can you take to trust God more deeply in this situation? [11:47]
4. How can you apply the principle of doing the next best thing in your daily life, especially when facing unclear paths or difficult decisions? [04:35]
5. Discuss a time when you felt isolated or fearful. How did your faith help you navigate through that period, and what role did seeking the Lord play in your journey? [05:40]
6. How can you cultivate a habit of seeking the Lord in both good and challenging times? What practical steps can you take to make this a consistent part of your life? [08:09]
7. Reflect on 1 Peter 5:6. How can you practice humility and patience as you wait for God's timing in a specific area of your life?
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertainty
When David sought refuge among the Philistines, he was stepping into a place of uncertainty and potential danger. This decision wasn't about having a clear, step-by-step plan but about trusting God in the midst of unclear circumstances. David's actions remind us that seeking the Lord often means taking steps without knowing the full plan. Trusting God in these moments of uncertainty is crucial, as His will is still unfolding. We are called to have faith, even when the path ahead is not clear, and to believe that God is guiding us through each step.
David's journey teaches us that faith doesn't always provide a complete roadmap. Instead, it offers just enough light to take the next step. This can be challenging, especially when we face rejection, isolation, or fear. Yet, it's in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. We are called to trust God, even when our circumstances are far from ideal. [01:29]
Psalm 56:3-4 (ESV): "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?"
Reflection: Think of a current situation in your life where the path ahead is unclear. How can you take a step of faith today, trusting that God is guiding you even if you don't see the full picture?
Day 2: Doing the Next Best Thing
When faced with unclear paths, David focused on doing the next best thing. This principle encourages us to take small, faithful steps, trusting that God will guide us through each phase of our journey. David's decision to seek refuge among the Philistines was not about having a perfect plan but about taking the next step in faith. This teaches us that in our own lives, we should focus on what we can do now, rather than being paralyzed by the unknown.
Often, we desire immediate answers and clear directions from God. However, the reality is that faith doesn't always provide a complete roadmap. Instead, it offers just enough light to take the next step. This can be challenging, especially when we face rejection, isolation, or fear. Yet, it's in these moments of uncertainty that our faith is tested and strengthened. We are called to trust God, even when our circumstances are far from ideal. [04:35]
Proverbs 16:9 (ESV): "The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps."
Reflection: What is one small, faithful step you can take today in an area of your life where you feel uncertain? How can you trust God to guide you through this step?
Day 3: Integrity and Character
David's refusal to kill Saul, despite having the opportunity, underscores the importance of maintaining integrity and character. Trusting God to handle our battles allows us to act righteously and leave the outcomes to Him. David's decision to spare Saul's life, even when it seemed like an easy solution to his problems, teaches us to do the right thing, even when it's difficult. This act of integrity shows that our character is more important than our immediate circumstances.
In our own lives, we may face situations where taking matters into our own hands seems like the easiest solution. However, we are called to trust God and act with integrity, even when it's challenging. By doing so, we demonstrate our faith in God's ability to handle our battles and bring about the best outcomes. Our journey of faith is often messy and filled with doubts, but it's in these moments that we must continue to seek the Lord and trust that He is working behind the scenes. [06:22]
1 Samuel 24:10 (ESV): "Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the Lord gave you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you, but I spared you. I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed.’"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you are tempted to take matters into your own hands. How can you choose to act with integrity and trust God to handle the outcome?
Day 4: Faith in the Midst of Fear
Even when David was filled with fear and doubt, he continued to seek the Lord. This teaches us that faith doesn't eliminate fear but empowers us to trust God despite it. David's journey was marked by moments of fear and uncertainty, yet he chose to seek God and trust in His promises. This act of faith in the midst of fear is a powerful reminder that our trust in God can overcome our deepest anxieties.
In our own lives, we may face situations that fill us with fear and doubt. However, we are called to continue seeking the Lord and trusting in His promises. Faith doesn't mean the absence of fear; it means choosing to trust God despite our fears. By doing so, we allow God to work in our lives and bring about His perfect plan. [10:04]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a fear or doubt that you are currently facing. How can you seek the Lord and trust Him in the midst of this fear today?
Day 5: Embracing Ugly Trust
Faith isn't always pretty or easy. It often involves messy, painful, and challenging moments. However, it's in these "ugly" moments that our trust in God is deepened, and we experience His lifting hand. David's journey was filled with difficult and messy situations, yet he continued to trust God. This teaches us that our faith journey may not always be smooth, but it's in these challenging moments that our trust in God is strengthened.
In our own lives, we may experience moments of pain and difficulty that challenge our faith. However, it's in these "ugly" moments that we have the opportunity to deepen our trust in God and experience His presence in a powerful way. By embracing these challenges and continuing to seek the Lord, we allow God to work in our lives and bring about His perfect plan. [11:47]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenging or painful moment in your life. How can you embrace this "ugly" moment and deepen your trust in God through it?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "To seek the Lord doesn't mean that you will know exactly what he's going to do every step along the way. David said, the best thing I can do is to go to the land of the Philistines and to escape there, and then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand. Is it possible that David in this moment isn't even really sure where God's hand is working, but all he knows is, I've got to get out of here?" [01:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes the will God has for you is still in the process of unfolding. Sometimes the person you're supposed to marry hasn't even moved to Charlotte yet. Sometimes the job you're supposed to have isn't even opened yet, so you get rejected three times for jobs you think you'd be a perfect fit for. The truth is, if you got that job, it would become a snare to you for the door God is going to open for you. I'm talking about trusting him." [04:35] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You want it now or you want it next week? I can't get out of the contract. I shouldn't have signed the lease. Why don't you just turn the apartment you're in into a habitation of a holy God while you wait on another one to come? the next best thing for you to do is connected to the next thing God is going to do that you don't even know about yet." [06:22] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "David thought to himself, Saul's going to kill me, but he kept seeking God even while he was thinking crazy stuff to himself. That's what I want you to do, church. I want you to say, I sought the Lord, and I sought him again, and I sought him even as I thought he didn't hear me, even as the devil told me, you're never going to be free from this. Your dad did it. His dad did it, and you will die an alcoholic too. Even while you are thinking that to yourself, you do the next best thing." [10:04] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith doesn't show you the whole staircase. It's just enough to take the next step, the next best thing. My camera operators are usually better than this. I wanted them to show you the stairs. Can y'all not get that shot? I'm going to buy some more cameras before next week. Come over to this side. I wanted that illustration, but let me do the next best thing. I'll use this side of the stairs. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just like that. Just like that. Watch this. It's going to be ugly sometimes." [11:47] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The word of the Lord for you is, what is the next best thing for you to do? The next best thing. For David, what he really wanted was to be the leader of Israel, but sometimes you can't do exactly what you want to do." [01:29] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You'll have to figure out the next 50 things. That's God's job. He said, you're fired from trying to be God. just want you to think about it. What's the next best thing you can do? Go complain about it or praise him like he already knows. What's the next best thing? I sought the Lord. Oh, it wasn't pretty. My fears were terrible. The word fears that he uses is only used three other times. It is a state so intense that it's only used three times in the Bible. It means horror. He said, I was in a horrible place, a lonely place, an isolated place." [05:40] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's hard for me to preach it to you while the Holy Spirit is still giving it to me. I'm just trying to decide, Lord, what should be said out loud and what should I ponder? Because he said they don't know what they're singing, the power of it, when they say, I sought the Lord. They think that's what they're doing only in church right now. But this seeking the Lord thing, it's sometimes going to look like you're spitting and scratching." [08:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I promise you I'm giving you a testimony. I saw it in my family. I saw it when my dad was dying of ALS. I wanted God to heal him. God didn't heal him. I wanted to take care of him. That didn't work out for two years. I couldn't take care of him. My mom was taking care of him. He became abusive toward her, so we had to put him in a nursing home. He was way too young to be in that nursing home. I was crushed the day I walked in, and he was calling bingo in a nursing home when I knew I wanted him down the street with my mom, but they couldn't be together. It wasn't safe for her." [10:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Every prayer is not going to be pretty. Every prayer isn't going to happen in church. Every faith experience isn't going to happen in a controlled environment. But the Bible says to humble yourself under his hand, because Saul's hand is nothing compared to his hand. 1 Peter 5.6 says, In due time he will. you up. One next best thing at a time. That's how he's going to bring you out. Ugly trust. Spitty beard trust. Crust in your eyes but went anyway. Tears on your pillow. Sleepless nights, but I'm not giving up on God. Ugly trust. You know what that means to me? Ugly. Put it on the screen, y'all. It means trusting God until God lifts you." [13:56] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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