Empowered To Deal With Problems (We Are Built For This)

Introduction: Some commentators say that it is a Psalm belonging to the captivity, and upon that system it may be well interpreted. And yet others contend that it was written by David after he had been in danger of losing his life by the hand of a gigantic Philistine. David would have perished had he not been aided by Abishai (2Sa 21:17). After this battle, David was counselled by his subjects not to go out to battle any more, lest he should extinguish the light of Israel. Commentators site Psalms 27 as David’s reply.

David found his home in God when he was fearful. This is a psalm of David that speaks to my heart in a powerful way. Some see David was a controversial figure in the Old Testament because he was a deeply flawed person. Yet, David always gave particular attention to his spiritual life throughout his lifetime. He made some terrible mistakes and did some awful things in his life, but I guess the key to understanding David is that he was truly teachable, genuinely humble, quick to correct his behavior, and he valued what was going on in his inner life. He paid attention to his conscience; he wanted to live connected to God.

David had all kinds of problems. We are introduced to him first a simple shepherd, the youngest son of Jesse. Later He anointed and pronounced to be Israel’s future King, yet it was years after Samuel’s anointing that he finally became king. David was pursued by enemies, the Philistines and his father-in-law and king, Saul. While Saul was the king of Israel, he nearly lost his mind because of envy and jealousy against David. David’s life story can be found in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel in the Old Testament. They tell the story of a godly man who had all kinds of reasons to be afraid. Probably facing the last of the sons of Anak, was one of his most fearful times.

2 Samuel 21:15, the story of some additional conflicts with the Philistines, which happened in the latter end of David's reign. Though he had subdued them, they were still Philistines in the Land. They could not bring a vast army onto the battlefield, yet they had four giant champions, the brothers of Goliath leading them. They took all occasions to disturb the peace of Israel, to challenge them, or make incursions upon them. One might think, a seasoned king like David would remain in the safety of his castle, no he goes to the battlefield once again.

In 2Sa 21:15, King David himself was engaged with one of the giants. David, though old, desired not to rest at ease, but he went down in person to fight against the Philistines. He has grown old, but his courage is intact. In this engagement David finds himself exhausted. His mind seems to have betrayed his body. He knows what to do yet lacks the physical strength to do it.

There David is in distress and great danger. King David thought he could bear the burden of war as well as he had done before. His will was good, and he hoped he could do as at other times. But he found himself deceived; age had cut his hair, and, after a little toil, he waxed faint. His body could not keep pace with his mind. The champion of the Philistines was soon aware of his advantage over David, perceived that David's strength failed him, and being himself strong and well-armed, he thought to slay David; but God was not in his thoughts. The giant did not realize that in that very day He and his brother would perish. The enemies of God's people are often very strong, very subtle, and very sure of success, like Isbibenob, but there is no strength, nor counsel, nor confidence against

the Lord.

God knows how to send relief to his children. God sent relief and wonderfully rescued David by the hand of Abishai. Abishai came seasonably or at the right season to bring relief. Notice same courageous spirit in David was in his men. Abishai's courage and fidelity to his king and to Israel on full display. He saved David’s life by bravely putting his own life in danger. God brought him to David's aid at the very moment of his extremity. God never leads soldier into battle alone, he always by their side. When Abishai came to David’s rescue, he relieved his fainting spirit, smote the Philistine giant, and killed him. Apparently Abishai stood back and allowed David to have a hand in slaying the giant. David fainted, but he did not flee; though his strength failed him, he bravely kept his ground, and then God sent him this help in a time of need. David thankfully accepted help and came out a victorious conqueror. In spiritual conflicts, even strong saints sometimes wax faint; then Satan attacks them furiously; but those that stand their ground and resist him shall be relieved and made more than conquerors.