David said to himself, “One of these days I’ll be swept away by Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines.” (1 Samuel 27:1)
Essentially, David was saying there, “I’ve got no other choice. I have to run to Israel’s enemies for refuge.”
But I wonder. Was that really true?
Had he consulted God as he had in the past, would there have been a better option?
Sure, David got temporary relief from Saul’s murderous pursuit.
But he had to deceive Achish to do so. And in deceiving Achish, David would nearly be forced to fight his own people in the next chapter. (28:1)
Sometimes we think we have no other option but to do something morally questionable. Sometimes doing that even gives us temporary relief from our problem.
But often times, as with David, our decision only leads to more problems and more morally questionable decisions.
Lord, let me never make decisions based on “I have no other choice.”
Instead, show me the right path. Show me the path that is most pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 