While David was in the Desert of Ziph, Saul’s son Jonathan, who regarded David as a dear friend (1 Samuel 18:1- 5), came to visit him in his hiding place. Jonathan helped him find his strength in God and reminded him that he had been chosen by God to be the king of God’s people (17). From a human point of view, Jonathan was Saul's rightful heir. Yet, he understood the will of God. Jonathan recognized David and encouraged him. Through Jonathan’s encouragement, David found a new strength in God (16).

Later, the Ziphites went to Saul to report that David was hiding in their land (19). The raid began, and David fled to the desert of Maon (25). Saul chased David and caught up to him, with only a mountain between them. When David was almost captured, a messenger came to Saul to tell him about the Philistines’ attack on the land, and Saul had to break off his pursuit of David (28).

Jonathan had encouraged David, and as he found strength in God, God opened his mighty hands to protect him.
Application: Father, thank you for your guidance and protection in my life. Thank you also for providing me with friends who encourage me to find strength in you. Help me to encourage one person today.
One Word: Be an encouraging friend.