This week’s journey through 1 Samuel 19–28 took us deep into themes of loyalty, fear, obedience, and restraint. As Saul’s jealousy spiraled into obsession, David became a man on the run—yet his faith, friendships, and integrity stood out in bold contrast. We witnessed Jonathan’s fierce loyalty, David’s cave season, repeated opportunities to seek revenge—and his refusal to take them. Through it all, one truth emerged clearly: God’s timing can be trusted, even when the road is long and painful.

• Jonathan’s Loyalty (Ch. 19–20): A model of selfless friendship and courageous integrity.

• David in the Cave (Ch. 21–22): At his lowest, David finds refuge in God’s presence and people.

• Opportunities for Revenge (Ch. 24 & 26): David shows restraint and trust in God's justice.

• Abigail’s Wisdom (Ch. 25): A woman of discernment who redirects David’s anger.

• Fear-Based Decisions (Ch. 27–28): Both David and Saul make choices rooted in fear, showing us the cost of listening to the wrong voices.

David was anointed king—but his path to the throne was long, winding, and full of hardship. Twice he had the chance to take matters into his own hands and eliminate Saul. Twice he chose to wait on God. This kind of trust isn’t passive; it’s deeply rooted in the belief that if the promise is real, God Himself will fulfill it.

When we’re tired of waiting, it’s tempting to rush, manipulate, or compromise. But David’s story reminds us that God’s ways are often slower than we’d like—but they are always safer, surer, and better. Waiting isn’t wasted when we do it with the Lord.

1. Where am I tempted to act ahead of God’s timing? Consider where you're feeling the pressure to “fix” something and ask the Lord to help you rest in His process.

2. How do I respond when I feel forgotten or passed over? Like David in the cave, bring your honest emotions before God. He welcomes your transparency.

3. What does trusting God’s timing look like in my life this week? It might look like holding your tongue, pausing a plan, or praying instead of pushing forward.

Next week, we’ll see the end of Saul’s story and the long-awaited rise of David as king. These chapters are filled with battles, transitions, and celebrations—including the powerful moment when the Ark of the Covenant returns to Jerusalem. As we turn the page to 2 Samuel, we’ll be reminded again that God always keeps His promises—and His timing is always worth trusting.

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to trust Him, to wait with hope, and to follow His lead one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. See you soon!

David and Saul both make fear-based choices in these chapters—with very different consequences. David retreats to enemy land. Saul consults a medium. These episodes show us the danger of letting fear be our guide—and remind us that even when we wander, God’s grace invites us to return.

• David’s Compromise: He joins the Philistines to escape Saul.

• Saul’s Desperation: He seeks out a medium after God is silent.

• Fear’s Fallout: Both men make spiritually dangerous decisions.

Fear is a loud voice—but not a trustworthy one. When fear leads, compromise follows. These chapters invite us to pause, return to the Lord, and trust Him again.

1. What decisions in my life are being driven by fear?

2. Where am I tempted to seek comfort outside of God’s will?

3. How can I return to God’s voice today, even in the silence?

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time. Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through a recap of 1 Samuel 19–28, helping us reflect on waiting, obedience, and God’s faithfulness in the tension. See you soon!

Two moments of near-revenge, two radically different responses. In chapter 25, Abigail’s wisdom stops David from bloodshed. In chapter 26, David again refuses to kill Saul, even when he could. This episode highlights how God's timing and the voices of wise counsel help us walk in self-control, not reaction.

• Abigail’s Intervention: Her wisdom stops David’s wrath.

• David Spares Saul (Again): He values God’s timing over revenge.

• The Power of Restraint: Wisdom leads David to peace, not destruction.

When emotions run high, God often sends wisdom to slow us down. Whether through Scripture, prayer, or people, He invites us to respond, not react.

1. Who helps me pause and think before I act?

2. Where do I need to choose self-control over quick reaction?

3. How is God asking me to wait with wisdom?

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow to walk through 1 Samuel 27–28 and we consider what happens when fear leads our decisions. See you soon!

David is on the run, but he’s not alone. In 1 Samuel 19–20, we witness one of the Bible’s most moving friendships. Jonathan, Saul’s son, risks his future and safety to protect David. Their covenant friendship shows us that loyalty isn't passive—it’s active, courageous, and rooted in righteousness. This episode explores what it means to stand beside those God has called, even when it costs us something personally.

• Jonathan’s Covenant Loyalty: He risks everything to protect David.

• David’s Growing Danger: Saul’s jealousy escalates into multiple murder attempts.

• Integrity Over Inheritance: Jonathan chooses obedience to God’s will over personal gain.

Friendship rooted in faith can become a lifeline in the storm. Like Jonathan, we’re called to be friends who choose what’s right over what’s comfortable—and to trust God with what we might lose in the process.

1. Am I celebrating others, even when their success challenges my own hopes?

2. Where do I need to choose faithfulness over fear in my relationships?

3. What’s one area where I need to release control and trust God’s plan?

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Hannah walks us through 1 Samuel 21–22, and we explore how God meets us even in the cave. See you soon!

Recap Summary

This week we’ve traced the dramatic rise—and faltering obedience—of Saul, and the quiet anointing of David. From hidden baggage to battlefield bravery, the contrast between human appearance and God’s heart couldn’t be clearer. Through it all, one theme rings out: God doesn’t choose the way people do. He sees differently. He calls the unlikely. He honors obedience. And He’s faithful—even when we falter.

Devotional Reflection: “When No One Else Sees”

When others overlook you, God doesn’t. In the quiet, the ordinary, the faithful—He sees. David’s story reminds us that God chooses and uses those who walk closely with Him, even when the spotlight isn’t on them.

Preview of Next Week

Coming up in 1 Samuel 19–28: David is on the run, but never without God's presence. We'll encounter jealousy, loyalty, pursuit, and deep spiritual testing. Through every valley, God is there.

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. See you soon!

Episode Summary

David’s encounter with Goliath is more than a story of bravery—it’s a testimony of faith. While others saw a threat, David saw an opportunity to trust God. Chapter 17 reminds us that no giant is bigger than our God. Chapter 18 begins to reveal David’s rise and the complexities of favor, jealousy, and leadership dynamics. This episode challenges us to respond to life’s battles not with fear, but with unwavering faith.

Key Highlights

David vs. Goliath (1 Samuel 17): Faith over fear, courage rooted in trust.

David’s Rise (1 Samuel 18): God's favor follows obedience, even as new trials emerge.

God Fights With You: Your giants are never bigger than His faithfulness.

Devotional Application

You don’t need to be the strongest—you just need to believe in the strength of your God. Let past victories build your present faith. The same God who helped you before stands ready today.

Reflection Prompts

What “giant” are you facing today that feels overwhelming?

How has God shown up for you in the past—and how can that strengthen your present?

Where is He calling you to step out with bold, simple faith?

Summary Closing

Thanks so much for joining me today on No Dusty Bibles! Remember—God isn’t asking you to be perfect. He’s inviting you to choose Him, to choose life, one faithful step at a time.

Until next time, stay in the Word and trust in His promises. We’ll be back tomorrow as Heather guides us through a recap of 1 Samuel 9–18, helping us reflect on how God sees the heart. See you soon!