At one time or another, each of us has felt desperate. We have looked around at our circumstances and felt the world closing in; we have wondered how there was any way out of the approaching predicament. At that moment, the easiest thing to do is to tell ourselves that we have been let down and abandoned by God. After all, if God were faithful, we tell ourselves, He would get me out of this desperate situation – He would find a solution! But the Bible gives us good insight and guidance for our lives, and the story of David running from Saul shows us that desperation does not mean the absence of God. David was on the run for his life, and the situation was made worse because of some bad choice he made. But the Lord never abandoned him, and in fact, the Lord continued to provide for him and to give such blessings that David praised His name. There is no better place to turn than to the Lord in “Desperate Times” (1 Samuel 21:1-22:5).

I. God’s Provision
A. David’s Deceptive Action
B. God’s Quiet Provision

II. God’s Protection
A. David’s Foolish Action
B. God’s Faithful Protection

III. God’s Providence
A. David’s Only Option
B. God’s Remarkable Providence

Questions for consideration: (1) When was the last time that you acted wrongly, thinking it was the only way you could escape a situation? What did the Lord teach you from that? (2) When was the last time you deserved to reap the fruit of your actions, only to find that God had protected you from yourself? What did that teach you about the Lord? (3) Why is it so important for us to understand the doctrine of Providence and not to judge our circumstances too quickly?