A GOD-DOMINATED HEART

God-Formed in the Cave

I Samuel 22:1-2

When you are crushed, do you still want to grow?

Do you prefer improved circumstances over growth?

In this passage, David had just fled Gath, the birthplace of Goliath, as he was being pursued by King Saul who wanted to kill him. He was certainly not in a situation of improved circumstances, going from a city to a cave. What type of people does he need in the cave to improve his circumstances? A counselor, or a chef, or maybe an entertainer.

But what does he have? Four hundred men who are

- in distress

- in debt

- discontented

"Only broken people share community"

God used this situation as a training ground which formed a group of men who would later become known as David's mighty men of valor!

How do we become God-Formed in the "cave?"

Psalm 142 illustrates David's attitude toward God while he was in the cave. Would you choose Christ-likeness over happy circumstances?

1. We hurt enough to admit our NEED.

What does this look like? "I desire Christlikeness over anything else."

2. God HONORS our cry for HELP.

When we refuse to ask for help (like men refusing to ask for driving directions when they are lost), we get more lost and waste valuable time.

3. We become HUMBLE enough to learn from God.

When Jesus asked His disciples if they would stop following Him, Peter's response was "where else would we go?"

Perhaps you are in a cave today. Do you want relief or do you want the living God?