Between a Rock and a Hard Place

David and his men joined the Philistine army, in 1 Samuel 29, as they marched forward to fight the Israel army.  Many of the Philistine commanders objected.  Before he sent David away, Achish proclaimed that he found no fault in him.  Before he left, David inquired, “What have you found against your servant?”  Achish explained that David had been pleasing in his sight, but the commanders insisted on this decision.

What kind of stunt was David trying to pull off?  If he stayed on the Philistine’s side, he would have been fighting against God’s chosen people.  If he turned on the Philistines, then he would have gone against his word and continued down his deceitful path and betrayed Achish, who had saved David’s life!  But God had a third plan.  He sent David home so that David and his men would not fight in this battle.

Like David, the choices we make can put us between a rock and a hard place.  Have you ever found yourself in such a situation?  Are you in one of those situations now?  As in David’s case, pride often keeps us from admitting our mistakes and backing out of these predicaments.  Where integrity could have saved us in the first place, humility is the only way out.

God, give us the courage to live integral lives so that we don’t put ourselves in difficult situations that could have been avoided.  And when needed, give us the strength to demonstrate humility, even if it means enduring consequences.  Amen.