Beware of the Let Down Following Victory

“And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand.” (1Sa 27:1 AV)

This statement and following decision are contrary to the events that preceded them.  Just a few short verses earlier, David testifies to Saul of God’s promise and ability to keep him safe.  David and his servant Abishai went into the tent of Saul and Abner in the middle of the night and retrieved and sword and canteen.  They retreated to a safe distance and then addressed Saul and Abner.  They exhibited the sword and canteen.  Then David makes a true and remarkable statement.  He declares as he has acted in integrity by not stretching forth his hand against the LORD’s anointed (Saul), He, God would protect him (David).  Saul’s reaction would indicate that perhaps this time, Saul meant every word and would return to his palace, giving up his pursuit of David.  Yet, David is found reacting to this glorious victory by not believing his own statement of faith.  What happened?  Did David believe what he said or not?  Why flee to the Philistines seeking protection from Saul?  Why would he have any reason to fear Saul after such a declaration of God’s faithfulness?

It just so happens that after great personal and spiritual victories, there follows a time of anxiety and depression.  The victory was from the filling of the Holy Spirit and His ministry within our hearts.  After such a great experience, it is common to feel ‘used up’.  We feel emotionally depleted.  Like Elijah after he called down fire from heaven and defeated the prophets of Baal, we are spent.  The very thing we stood against and defeated becomes a threat.  It doesn’t occur to us these victories can continue.  We see the victory as a one-time event.  A temporary injunction against the adversary, but not a total defeat.  This is normal.  What follows is the most important decision we will make.

David, instead of trusting in the very words he spoke by the power of the Holy Spirit, takes matters into his own hands and retreats to the Philistines.  Two things happen here.  He is almost forced into fighting with Achish, king of the Philistines against Israel.  God was with him and the princes of Gath would not allow it.  Second, while encamped to the east, his encampment was raided.  The families and belongings of the 600 men who followed David were pillaged.  These 600 men were completely discouraged and almost gave up following David.  Their resentment and criticism were relentless to the point David felt all alone.  All because David was anxious and depressed.   The application is clear.  Be on guard after a great victory.  Discouragement often follows.  When God does give the victory, take the time to rest before any more ground is sought.  Otherwise, we just might lose the ground we just gained.