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DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD
LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 29
1 Samuel 30

Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

 

“To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose

under the heaven.”

 

DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD
 
David looked to God for help. He knew that he was not alone in that time of danger. He never lost his confidence in God, and help came quickly. The ephod was used to communicate with God and the answer was assuring. David then organised his army for the rescue mission. He was resourceful and courageous. He acted to contain a possible discontent in his army. He had all the qualities of a leader. God’s help was evident in the events.
 
The Lord came to his rescue. God’s way of overcoming the Amalekites and recovering their families and possessions was to unfold. The men of David found a weak and hungry Egyptian who provided information that led them to the camp of the Amalekites. It was the providence of God that this man was left behind. The information was instrumental for the success of that mission. The man asked David to swear that he would not deliver him to his master or kill him. David agreed, and he swore to him by God. The effort to rescue those captives was not easy. There was a possibility of the loss of life on both sides, but David had received an assurance from the Lord that all would be recovered. However, he was also mindful of human responsibility and had to plan everything carefully before confronting the Amalekites.
 
David smote the enemy and recovered everything: He sprang a surprise on them. He took the first step in the attack. Since the captives were women and children, the enemy could use them as human shields. But God helped David, and he recovered everything (people and animals), and the enemy was smitten. God fulfilled His promise to David.
 
David led the victorious return to Ziklag. Some of David’s men wanted to withhold the spoils from those who did not go with them to battle, but David overruled them. He told them that each would receive an equal amount, whether they had gone to war or not. David made this a perpetual law in Israel. He also sent portions of spoils to Judah, his kinsmen and friends.
 
THOUGHT: David’s ability came from the Lord who does all things well.

PRAYER: Father, may I always submit to Thy will, and have Thy peace.

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