1 Samuel 22:4 And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelled with him all the while that David was in the hold. Till I know what God will do to me. There are times when our thoughts naturally turn toward the future: the commencement of a fresh enterprise or a new season, suspense in sickness, the approach of critical events, especially when they lie beyond our control or even our probable conjecture. At such times this is the appropriate language of a good man. He awaits it in - I. UNCERTAINTY about the events of the future - new positions, opportunities, advantages, trials, duties. "We know not with what we must serve the Lord until we come thither" (Exodus 10:26). "Ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:4), and cannot tell what may befall you therein. "Shadows, clouds, and darkness rest upon it." But the good man is not distracted by curiosity or anxiety, inasmuch as - 1. Neither is of any avail. 2. The Father has reserved the times and the seasons "in his own power" (Acts 1:7). 3. And he has done so wisely and for our good. "The veil that hides the future is woven by the hand of mercy." II. CONFIDENCE in the care of God. "My times are in thy hand" (Psalm 31:15). "I will cry unto God that performeth all things for me" (Psalm 57:2). Such confidence respects - 1. His perfect knowledge, almighty power, and supreme control of all things, including the thoughts and purposes of men (1 Samuel 19:23). 2. His individual observation. 3. His beneficent operation. "Being well assured of the justice of his cause as contrasted with the insane persecutions of Saul, David confidently hoped that God would bring his flight to an end" (Keil). "O Lord, how happy should we be, If we could cast our care on thee, If we from self could rest, And feel at heart that One above, In perfect wisdom, perfect love, Is working for the best" (Keble) III. READINESS for whatever may take place. 1. By watchful attention to every indication of the will of God, looking out for it as a watchman for the dawn of the morning. "I will stand upon my watch," etc. (Habakkuk 2:1). 2. By cherishing a spirit of humble submissiveness to what he may think fit to do and fixed determination to do what he may require. 3. By faithful fulfilment of the plain and immediate duty of the present time. "Let my father and mother come forth" (from the hold in Mizpeh) "and be with you, till," etc. Its performance is the best preparation for the events and duties of the future. - D. Parallel Verses KJV: And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold. |
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