Intro:  We are familiar with the story of David.  King Saul's disobedience to God resulted in God's intention remove Saul from being king.  Young David is selected by God to be the next king.  The Lord elevates David among the people by enabling him to slay Goliath, but King Saul sees David as a threat, and attempts to kill him on several occasions.  In 1 Samuel 22:1 David Flees to the cave of Adullam.  And through his actions and his writing reveals his tremendous trust in God.

I. Trusting God in time of persecution and affliction (Psalm 57:1-6) 

  A. For salvation and protection (Psalm 23)

  B. For justice and vindication

1. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-6,  so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, {5} which is manifest evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer; {6} since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you,

2. Later, David spares Saul in a cave, again showing his complete trust in God to right any wrongs (1 Samuel 24:1-15)

II. Praising God before others (Psalm 57:7-11)

  A. Psalms 28:7,  The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.

  B. Is this not what the early Christians did? Acts 2:46-47,  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, {47} praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

  C. And what we are all called to do  1 Peter 2:9,  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

ILLUSTRATION: It is said that once when conducter Michael Costa was having a rehearsal with a vast array of performers and hundreds of voices, as the mighty chorus rang out with thunder of the organ and roll of drums and ringing horns and cymbals clashing, some man who played the piccolo far away up in some corner said within himself, "In all this din it matters not what I do," and so he ceased to play. Suddenly, the great conductor stopped flung up his hands and all was still. Then he cried aloud, "Where is the piccolo!" The quick ear missed it, and all was spoiled because it failed to take its part

III. Acknowledging God for providing the support of righteous people 1 Samuel 22:2,  And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.

  A. ILLUS: Mamie made frequent trips to the branch post office. One day she confronted a long line of people who were waiting for service from the postal clerks. Mamie only needed stamps, so a helpful observer asked, "Why don't you use the stamp machine? You can get all the stamps you need and you won't have to stand in line." Mamie said, "I know, but the machine can't ask me about my arthritis." People still need human contact.

  B. We need to know that others care about us and support us (Psalm 142) 

1. Elijah needed to know it, 1 Kings 19:9-18

2. As did Paul At Corinth -- Acts 18:9-10,  Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; {10} "for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city."

C. This is what fellowship is - a common participation in our faith.

1. Philippians 1:7,  just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.

2. Jude 1:3,  Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

3. 2 Peter 1:1,  Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ:

Conclusion: Of the great people of faith the inspired writer says in Hebrews 11:38 "of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth."  Let us be like those cavemen!