The Way of Escape

Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 27

Scripture Focus: And when it was told Saul that David had fled to Gath, he no longer sought him. (1 Samuel 27.4)

Devotional Thought: I have known people who have beaten addiction. Many factors brought about deliverance, but common to all of them was putting distance between them and the temptation. And, not just the substance itself, but the situations, people, and places that trigger their insatiable desire.

David wanted to get out from under the pressure of Saul's ongoing, almost obsessive, pursuit. David's life was in constant danger if he stayed where Saul could reach him. So he fled to Gath, where Saul no longer sought him.

From David's experience, we can learn some things about temptation:

· First of all, we must be aware that the threat always exists. We never get too old, too strong, or too wise for temptation. Until we open our eyes in heaven, we must always be on our guard.

· Particular temptations - besetting sins of Hebrews 12 - are unique to us and our personality. My Christian friends may not share this weakness, but for me to avoid falling, I must get completely away from things that would trip me. I must not make it easy for temptation to lure me.

· Go to a safe place, where you can find support and encouragement. For David in his situation, it was Gath. He had to immediately flee. The moment sin comes against us to tempt us, we must take action. Find a safe place in God's Word, in prayer, in truth.

1 Corinthians 10.13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you have made a way of escape for me. Help me to turn to you and obtain strength from your Spirit, that I may endure and defeat temptation. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 84.1-7

1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.

3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion. 6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.