PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: 1 Samuel 29-30
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” (1 Samuel 30:8)
In the middle of the mess of war, we see the dark side of war and violence.
David had burned many villages himself; now their village is burned.
At least the Amalekites did not slaughter everyone, like David did (1 Samuel 27:9).
How can God work in the midst of all this blood and violence.
God remains sovereign over all the mess and misery of sinful humanity.
God works out the purpose of kingdom restoration through flawed servants.
David doesn’t understand God’s righteousness, but he does know he depends on God.
“David found strength in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)
“David inquired of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 30:8)
Do I recognize my dependence on God (and not on my own ‘goodness’)?
Do I seek strength, guidance and success from the Lord?
My purpose is tied up with God’s purpose, no matter what happens.
I can get through this pandemic, or other challenges, because of God.
The Lord is my strength, he will give me success through it all!
PRAYER
Lord, I am no better than others. But I know that I need you, and that only you can turn my trials into triumphs. I entrust my future to you, and will trust you for strength, guidance and success.
David learns once again that his strength is not his own clever scheming or his own strength – in despair he turns back to God for guidance – and God leads him to the Amalekites and has kept the wives and family safe in the enemies hands. David confronts his own men and ensures that all the men share equally in the spoils and he is grateful to those who helped him before and sends gifts to them. David recognizes it is God’s doing – it is God that has kept him safe. How often to I have to learn to be humbled and wait for God’s provision. My response needs to be like David’s with generosity and gratitude.
‘But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.’
Good morning Lord. It is the start of a new day serving You in Your Kingdom. I go forward in Your strengthening power, walking/working/living in Your SonShine. This is the day You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it. May others see You in me as I live for Jesus in all I do and say.
This is the day, this is the day.
That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice, we will rejoice,
And be glad in it, and be glad in it.
This is the day that the Lord has made.
We will rejoice and be glad in it.
This is the day, this is the day
That the Lord has made.