1 Samuel 20:3: Then David took an oath again, and said, “Your father certainly knows that I have
found favor in your eyes, and he says, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But
truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death.”
Some people live on the edge because they choose to. They bungee jump, sky dive and engage
in other extreme sports just for the thrill of it. Others live on the edge not by choice, but because
circumstances have placed them in dangerous places.
David fell into this latter category. He had sought to serve Saul faithfully and defend his country
and his king with passion. But his success in these efforts only managed to arouse the king’s
jealousy. When women came out of the cities singing David’s praises (1 Sam. 18:6-8), Saul
became enraged and began to plot to do away with the young man he now viewed as a threat to
his throne.
David soon found himself only one step ahead of a king who was trying to kill him. But in the midst
of these circumstances, David knew that God was with him and would preserve him (Ps. 34:6).
Many Christians today also live on the edge. They live in countries where the penalty for being a
Christian is death. They live in nations where famine is claiming the lives of thousands. They live
in drug-infested neighborhoods where drive-by shootings and gang killings are commonplace. Yet
they also can claim God’s presence and protection (Ps. 34:7).
Perhaps you live on the edge. Though your life is not in danger, you may be living on the edge in
terms of your job, your family or your marriage. Perhaps you feel that at any moment one or more
of these could fall apart and leave you helpless. Put your trust in the God of David. Let Him
provide what you need to move away from the edge.
CHRIST CAN TAKE THE EDGE OUT OF LIVING