From The Cave to The Castle: People, Problems and Possibilities

David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.  1 Samuel 22:1-2

David had just been driven away by Achish after pretending to be mad. He had served with him having run from Saul. Once again he’d gone from being special to ordinary; from the kings’ courts to a cave. What do you do when things go from bad to worse? Where do you go?

A cave is an underground chamber or enclosure with access from the surface of the ground or from the sea. One can easily sneak in or out without notice. It’s a confined zone. A safe haven. A hiding place.

Most people have caves, men especially. A place they recline into and shut the rest of the world away. It is where buried emotions are excavated, hidden fears exposed and hard life puzzles cracked.  It could be mental or physical. According to our text, families, friends, fellows, followers as well as the distressed, debtors, and discontented are the kinds of people you can expect to see in caves. Now you know where broken hearts go.

From the ends of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is high above me. Psalm 61:2

You have a choice of places to go when life messes you up: the castle, caravan, camp, crypt or cave. While some are deadly, temporary, and inconvenient abodes; one is luxurious, comfortable, and ideal.

David was an exceptional leader. I say that because not everyone would be willing to identify with such a lifestyle – living in a cave. If someone was in prison, you would usually pay them a visit and leave afterward. If they were sick, you would visit them in the hospital and go back home. If they were dead, you’d take them to the cemetery or crematorium, bury or burn them, and leave crying

It’s one thing to be available, to give moral support and empathize, and another, to stay permanently and unconditionally with the vulnerable. It’s the height of commitment. Friend, you are not alone! Even in your cave, God is with you. Destiny helpers are there. You have been promoted. Congratulations!

Though you have allowed me to experience much trouble and distress, revive me once again! Bring me up once again from the depths of the earth! Psalm 71:20

David had something that made the people gravitate towards him. He was faithful over the sheep and God made him ruler over many people. They might have been distressed, discontented, and debtors; yet they were people. Question: Why do people incline to you? Hint: You might just be a problem solver! The solution to their global, societal, organizational, financial, emotional, mental, and health issues.

2 Samuel 23:8-39 lists the names of the mighty men whom David had. Some of these men were part of the cavemen. Friend, there’s a mighty man/woman in you! You might be distressed, discontented, and in debt right now but you’ve got potential. You are a king, a queen, a chief among the captains, a maid of honour, a strong warrior, great mentor, armour bearer, and nurturer.

The cave is a season that will pass, a process that will come to an end. When the season and process is over, you’ll come out different than you went in. It is important for you to transition from that haven to your heaven; from the hiding place to the palace. Why? Because kings don’t dwell in caves! Mighty men live in barracks!

There is a castle and conquest with your name on it. Note: Every mighty man/woman you see today has at one point or another been a caveman.  Selah!

It’s time for you to transition!