"And David said in his heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his hand," 1 Samuel 27:1.

Based on a message preached at a special Saturday morning season of prayer attended by teachers, pupils, parents, Management Committee members and supporters of Kilskeery Independent Christian School, at the commencement of its 38th year.

The life of David provides us with many lessons for our pilgrimage here on earth. The trials and afflictions he endured present to us a true representation of what it is the Church of Christ may expect to encounter as it journeys to the "land that is fairer than day."

As our school launches into its 38th year, we may take instruction, warnings and encouragement from this passage.