1 Samuel 23:15-17 While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.”

David was in a dark place, fearing for his life and constantly on the run. Not because he had done anything wrong, but because Saul was blinded by jealousy and wanted to get him out of the way with all his might.

Fortunately, David was one step ahead of him. God was on his side and did not surrender him into the hands of Saul. Here, where David was literally and figuratively in the wilderness of his life, he wasn’t alone. God was there and protected him.

But God does more. He works through people. Jonathan took a great risk to go there, because if his father found him there in the wilderness with David or just heard what he was doing there, the fat would be in the fire. Jonathan assured David that God was there and that he did not need to be afraid.

Before the Lord, the two friends made a contract. They renewed their friendship, but more than that. They promised to pursue God’s plan for their lives together. Do you see how relationships should bring you closer to God and not pull you away from Him?

God doesn’t always provide a quick way out. Sometimes the wilderness is necessary because in the middle of the struggle and discouragement, He rebuilds our courage so we can keep moving forward in His plan.

Fortunately, God uses other people to keep us going. Sometimes it’s just a call or a visit, and suddenly we dare to walk on again.

I know it’s not always easy. Sometimes it costs a lot to be there for someone else. But when God calls us to love, we must be willing to sacrifice, even to the point of tears.

Prayer
Father, thank you for the people who keep me upright. Show me who I must help. Give me the strength to do it …

Questions
Who has God used to encourage me when I was going through a difficult time?
Am I available when God wants to use me to encourage someone else?
Do my relationships help me live closer to God, or do they pull me away from Him?

Do this now
Think of someone today who may be going through a difficult or lonely time.
Call them, send them a message, or go for a coffee with them and intentionally encourage them.
Also, write down the names of people God has used to help you and thank Him specifically for them in prayer.