David recorded several psalms during the year or more Saul wanted him dead. During that time David escaped out windows, hid in wilderness areas, and even moved under the protection of Israel’s enemies, the Philistines. There he acted like a madman to avoid suspicion (he had killed their champion Goliath not that long ago).

It’s amazing to me that David wrote prolifically while on the run. At least one psalm emerged from a cave, and somehow David kept these manuscripts safe and dry during his constant movements. As you might guess, his words reflect a dire situation and the attitudes of those stalking him:

Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long.

David faced men who sought power above all else, who understood that the head of David on a spike promised riches and honor in the court of Saul. Like bounty hunters of the Old West, hardened assassins gunned after David.

But David knew where to place his faith. In the chaos he sought the Lord for relief: Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

The Lord answered. In the midst of this storm, while running for his life, David experienced the steading presence of the Lord: But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

I may not face off with bounty hunters, but life brings plenty of storms. David’s wilderness psalms, written under duress, remind me of the ultimate source of hope and courage when life looks bleak.

Psalm 38 & Psalm 52

Photo by Maciej Karoń