We live much of our lives in functional ignorance of the overseeing power of God. As we experience daily events, especially small details, we do not think about how God is in control or how He is working all things to the fulfillment of His will. Instead, we are gripped by our emotions – fear, hate, or desire, chief among them. We may think this is just an ordinary part of life, but the truth is that it makes believers operate functionally no different than those who say there is no God. We can be shocked back into true reality by the story of David and Nabal, where the fool (Nabal) brings David to a place where he forgets the very lesson he tried to teach his men in 1 Samuel 24. Only the intervention of the wise and discerning Abigail prevents a disaster – but as we look into the text, we see that it was not Abigail, but the wise Providence of God keeping David from experiencing the consequences of his sin. God is sovereign, and that means we are blessed by His “Protective Providence” (1 Samuel 25:1-44).

I. Not Seeing God’s Providence
A. Foolish Nabal
B. Angry David

II. The Blessing of God’s Providence
A. The Wisdom of Abigail
B. The Restraint of David

III. The Triumph of God’s Providence
A. The Justice of God
B. The Mercy of God

Questions for consideration: (1) Can you recall a time in your life when you credited your situation to your power and wisdom and forgot about God? How can you avoid that in the future? (2) How can you follow the example of Abigail in dealing with others? What specific things can you do to promote peace and understanding with others? (3) Sometimes the justice of God becomes quickly clear in His providence. How do you deal with the times when His providence seems slow to act?