29 June 2010
1 Samuel 30 describes what is arguably, the lowest point in David’s life. When he desired to go into battle with King Achish he was turned away and sent home at the request of the king’s advisors (1 Samuel 29). David did not understand and reasonably took this as rejection of his faithful service to the king of the Philistines. A bit confused and even hurt David and his men return to their camp, a city called Ziklag. Upon arrival they discovered the city burned and all their loved ones and belongings gone. There was nothing but signs of devastation to confirm their worst fears. Here David’s Mighty Men contemplated stoning him, their leader, out of the deep disappointment in their families missing, not knowing if they were dead or alive.
This was David’s defining moment the moment he could either cave in to his own despair and a broken heart or rise up in God and take courage in God’s plan for his life, no matter how bleak it looked presently. 1 Samuel 30:6 says, “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” After calling for the linen ephod, he enquired of the Lord and He spoke, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.”
Grab your heart today and steady it by bringing the situation you are going through before the Lord. Don’t give in to the popular sentiment that floats out there which takes you down a road of hopelessness. Be encouraged, you are destined to recover all. It’s not going to end up the way it appears today. Your decision in this moment is key. Make the same choice David did to strengthen himself in the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Tom