Gossip and slander is documented and condemned more than any other sin mentioned in the Bible. Of all the turmoil, tragedy, testing, and trauma David has experienced, slander seems to have caused the most distress to his mind and body. Hurtful words continue to devastate people to this day, with far-reaching and long-lasting consequences. In 1 Samuel 24:8-12, the first chance David gets to confront King Saul, he protests against the false accusations that Saul has heard about him and then proves his innocence and appeals to God to judge whether David or Saul is in the right.

In this sermon, Pastor Joel uses Psalm 57 to provide a deeper look into David’s heart behind this legendary confrontation. Though slandered and hunted, we see David’s confidence in God’s steadfast love and faithfulness unleash extravagant praise to God. Throughout all of scripture we see that God is glorified in the vindication of His beloved, which gives us comfort and courage to trust Jesus in the midst of our pain and peril.