God's Cunning Ways

Scripture: Then the Ziphites went up to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah, which is south of Jeshimon? Now come down, O king, according to all your heart's desire to come down, and our part shall be to surrender him into the king's hand.” And Saul said, "May you be blessed by the Lord, for you have had compassion on me. Go, make yet more sure. Know and see the place where his foot is, and who has seen him there, for it is told me that he is very cunning." 1 Samuel 23:19-22

Observation: While Saul is seeking David, he describes David's ability to allude him as "cunning". He has reached the point now where he is hesitant to even come search for David, and instead needs a full and comprehensive scouting report of every David and his men might be before proceeding.

However, David is not cunning - he is not attempting grand schemes of subterfuge and feints of direction. David instead simply goes where God tells him. He repeatedly asks God where he should go, received direction, is told when to move, and follows God's instructions. This alone is enough for Saul not to find him.

Application: This is an interesting observations about the ways and instructions of God - that they are "cunning". Of course they are not cunning in the sense of a sinister plot, however they appear that way within a specific context ... the context of the person who is themselves sinister and plotting against the will of God.

When a person is outside of God's will, that will and direction of God always appears to be a confusing plot. Today, this is true for large groups of otherwise (and worldly) intelligent people. Those who reject the teaching of Jesus often perceive the truth about that teaching as some sinister concept. They believe rejecting a certain sin is crazy, impossible, or even wrong-headed. They believe that radical love for an enemy is bizarre and misguided. They believe that separating oneself from a bad situation is unloving.

When I follow Jesus, I will know those who do not know Jesus by this: They will be distrusting of and confused by my actions. They will interpret their confusion as some sort of plot and plan, which then they must analyze and try to counteract. However, if I am in tune with God's will, my plan will not be any of that ... my plan won't exist. I will simply be following orders step by step, without a plot or plan, and probably without knowledge of tomorrow's next step. I will yield to God's will and instructions, and he will order my steps.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your recent blessings, and for safe travels. I place my daily life in your hands, so please order my steps today. May my actions be by your will and your guidance, and not based on the plot of any man, least of all myself. I am your servant, and I am here to serve you by serving others with the love of Jesus. Please lead me today. Amen.