“David said to himself, “One of these days I’ll be swept away by [king] Saul. There is nothing better for me than to escape immediately to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will stop searching for me everywhere in Israel, and I’ll escape from him.””

1 Samuel 27:1 (HCSB, emphasis mine)

Do you ever let your imagination get the best of you? Does the “what if” of the future instill fear? Do you tend to land on the worst-case scenario end of the possibilities spectrum? You’re not alone.

This passage recounts a time when David was, in fact, being hunted by the then king of Israel, Saul. The passage says he “said to himself.” He was talking to himself and examining his options. No doubt the situation was dire and the fear overwhelming.

Many of the Psalms which David penned are examples of trusting God and placing unwavering hope in what only God can do amid difficult circumstances. Yet, in this moment, it seems that David allowed his mind to run wild with thoughts of despair. This negative self-talk convinced him to flee to the land of the Philistines – the arch enemies of the people of Israel and their God. These are the same people who David bravely confronted 10 chapters earlier when he defeated the Philistine giant, Goliath. Yet now here he is, hoping to flee the promise land to find respite in the land of his enemy.

Self-talk can be enlightening or dangerous, depending on which voice you are hearing. Is it yours, focused on fear and circumstances outside of your control? Is it the wisdom-laden guidance of the all-knowing Holy Spirit, who truly has the answer to every question? Or is it a destructive thought planted by the enemy of your soul, intended to drive you from God to seek respite with him?

Scripture says God has not given us a spirit of fear, but instead He has given His Holy Spirit – who comes in power, love, and Godly wisdom (2 Timothy 1:7). God’s ways – His logic, plans, and ideas – are higher and better than ours (Isaiah 55:8) and the wisdom of God often contradicts human logic and popular culture (James 3:17; 1 Corinthians 1:8). 

Scripture also says that Satan, the enemy of your soul, is a liar and the father of lies who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 8:44; John 10:10). When entertaining thoughts and ideas, which you think are just innocent self-talk, beware that your enemy wants his to be the loudest voice in your head.

Instead, your self-talk should follow that of the Holy Spirit. You can train yourself in this by reading and reciting the Scriptures, learning to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit as He leads and guides you into all truth (John 16:13). Take comfort in the character of God – He is gracious and merciful, slow to become angry and abounding with steadfast love and mercy and He will never leave you or forsake you (Psalm 145:8-9; Hebrews 13:5).

Rather than following your own advice or falling prey to the voice of your enemy, cling to God (Deuteronomy 10:20). Know His voice, follow His instruction, and He really will lead you on the right path to take (John 10:27; Proverbs 3:6).   

Perhaps Proverbs 13:20 says it best, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”

Now that’s a good word!