Rest in a Cave
When David was on the run from Saul, he ended up hiding in the caves of Adullam. His life had been turned upside down. His secure position was lost. It seemed like it was all over.
However, it was at Adullam that David would find refuge for a season in his life. Adullam was a place where he could recover, regroup, and sort through the emotional upheaval that he had been living through. This barren place became a retreat where God could heal his emotional wounds and prepare him for his future.
Even the strongest, bravest and most resilient need to take time out to recover from deep hurts, constant conflict and broken relationships. God,at times, will lead you to a place of safety even when you do not know where you are going or why you ve ended up there. He will direct you to a new refuge of rest and strength so that you have space to recover from the trauma and trials you've experienced.
Needing to rest and retreat doesn't mean you are a weak person; it is an indication that you are a strong person who has survived a tough fight.
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1 Samuel 22:1-2
“David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father's household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.”
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Psalm 142:1-7
(A maskil of David. When he was in the cave. A prayer.)
“I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy.
I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble.
When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way.
In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me.
Look and see, there is no one at my right hand; no one is concerned for me.
I have no refuge; no one cares for my life.
I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.”