Abigail reminded David of his identity: “The Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil has not been found in you all your days.” When strange, obsessive thoughts push us toward actions that displease God, we must remember who we are as children of God. If we act out our sin, we behave like the worst people of this world.

In our journey through life, we all experience moments when something sets us off — when an event or interaction triggers us into anger, depression, or destructive behavior patterns that we know aren’t God’s will for our lives. These triggering events can create compulsions or obsessions in our minds, driving us toward actions we cannot stop in our own power.

The Biblical Psychology of Triggers

The Bible, in its purest sense, is the best psychology book in the world. The word “psychology” comes from “psyche” (soul) and “logia” (study of), making the Bible truly the ultimate study of the soul. The stories of David provide particularly intense studies about our being and soul.

Consider the story of David, Abigail, and Nabal the fool — a powerful illustration of being triggered and overcoming destructive obsessions. Shortly after David nobly refused to take revenge on King Saul, he faced a situation with Nabal that triggered him into a murderous rage. This demonstrates how life works: we can endure certain significant challenges without being triggered, yet something seemingly small can suddenly set us off.

How Obsessive Desires Take Over

1.We let our guard down after victory

David had just won a great victory in not taking revenge against Saul. Perhaps he was exalting in this spiritual triumph, patting himself on the back for being a “good Christian.” But just because we’re in the Spirit dealing with one situation doesn’t mean we’ll automatically stay in the Spirit for the next challenge. We need God’s grace every moment of every day.

2.We face unmet expectations

David and his men had been providing security for Nabal’s shepherds and his 3,000 sheep and 1,000 goats. They protected them from Philistines, lions, and bears, serving as a “wall by night and day.” When sheep-shearing time came — traditionally a season of celebration and feasting — David expected Nabal would honor his request for food. When Nabal refused, David was triggered.

So much in life is about expectation. When our expectations aren’t met, we can be destroyed. That’s why we must always put our expectations in the Lord.

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