When have you experienced a ‘delay’ in justice?  Have you ever mistaken mercy for grace? 

 

Read 1 Sam 24:1-7. David's men said, "Behold, the day of which the LORD said to you" (v. 4). Why does an open door so easily feel like permission? David acts on what God has actually revealed, that Saul is his anointed and that he is the Judge (v. 6). How is acting on what has been revealed different from acting on opportunity? 

 

Read 1 Sam 24:8-22. David says, "the LORD judge between me and you... but my hand shall not be against you" (v. 12). What does it look like to entrust your vindication to the Lord while still living with the consequences? Saul says, "I know that you shall surely be king" (v. 20), and David still goes back to the stronghold (v. 22). Why doesn't a confirmed promise change the providence? 

 

Read Psalm 57. What does David say directly to God about what he is facing (vv. 1-6)? Why does it matter that the complaint is spoken to God and not about him? Verse 2 says God "fulfills his purpose for me," and it sits in the middle of verses 4 and 6. What does it look like to hold the promise and the pain in the same breath? What changes between verse 6 and verse 7, and what stays the same? What would it look like for your lament to end in worship without an answer? Grace that costs can only be given by someone who trusts that the cost isn't the end of the story. Why does giving up what you're owed require faith in a promise? 

 

Who is a "Saul" in your life, someone who has something coming to them from you? Share only what you are comfortable sharing. What would it cost you to leave the verdict with God? What has God said that makes it safe to carry it? David forgives Saul and still returns to the stronghold. How is giving grace different from staying within reach of harm?  David forgives Saul and still returns to the stronghold. How is giving grace different from staying within reach of harm? 

 

At a TABLE with friends this week...

Question: Where am I holding something I am owed, and what would it take to entrust it to God?

Passage: Psalm 57:1-3 CSB Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will see refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes/ I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purposes for me. He reaches down from heaven and saves me, challenging the one who tramples me. Selah God sends his faithful love and truth. 

Promise: God fulfills his purpose for me and sends his steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps 57:2-3)

Pray Psalm 57:1 together, then ask God for the grace to give and the faith to carry what it costs.