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.
God blesses David with a victory – with 400 exhausted men. David shares that victory with all his men, even those who stayed back – he regains his possessions and then some and he shares that with all the various places in Judah that had helped protect him. David shares the abundance that God had enabled him as he fought the Amelkites that has burned Ziklag – but I believe it was a turning point for David as his life as a fugitive comes to an end. No more Ziklags – now its time to come home! I too must see daily my dependence on the Lord!