When God Locks the Door | 1 Samuel 29:8-9

ANNOUNCEMENT:
After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him.

Don't force open a door that God has locked shut.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In this chapter, we look behind enemy lines at the Philistines as they line up for battle, and David just got shut out from joining the Philistines. Let's see how he responds in 1 Samuel 29:8-9:

And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ — 1 Samuel 29:8-9

David is too cunning for his own good. Even his mortal enemy believes he is as blameless as an angel. The swagger, the scheming, and the strategy of this man were unmatched. He managed to stay loyal to Saul and Achish at the same time while surrounded by nothing but enemies.

Now you know why he later got into trouble with Bathsheba. He was too cunning for his own good but not clever enough to pull one over on God.

As I said yesterday, God had different plans for this battle. David could outstrategize everyone alive, but he wasn’t about to outstrategize God.

In moments like this, we need to recognize God’s sovereignty at work instead of trying to force our own strategies. David’s cunning may have kept him alive and in Achish’s good graces, but it wasn’t enough to override God’s plan. Achish’s hands were tied—not by his own authority but by the unseen hand of God, working through the Philistine commanders to keep David out of a battle he had no business fighting.

Sometimes, God intervenes in ways we don’t expect—or even understand. David might have felt ready to fight, but God knew the battle wasn’t his to fight. If David had taken one more step, he would have forced a conflict that wasn’t part of God’s plan. Perhaps you’ve been there too—eager to step into a situation, convinced you’re prepared, only to find the door slammed shut. When that happens, it can feel frustrating, but often it’s God who has closed the door.

Like David, you must trust that God’s plans are better than your strategies. Even when you feel capable and confident in your abilities, remember that God sees what you cannot. He knows which battles will grow you and which ones could destroy you.

So today, take a moment to reflect on the doors God has closed in your life. Instead of trying to force open a door He has locked shut, trust His sovereign protection. It’s not rejection—it’s redirection toward a better purpose.

#TrustGod, #GodsPlan, #FaithOverStrategy

Ask This:
What doors in your life might God be closing for your protection or redirection?
How can you trust God's plan over your strategies today?
Do This:
Reflect on one door God has closed and why.

Pray This:
Father, thank You for protecting me from battles I’m not meant to fight. Help me trust Your wisdom and follow Your direction. Amen.

Play This:
Every Closed Door.