1 Samuel 30:6;18-20 – “Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 18 So David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his two wives. 19 But nothing of theirs was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil, or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back. 20 So David had captured all the sheep and the cattle which the people drove ahead of the other livestock, and they said, “This is David’s spoil.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was reminded of God’s goodness and the need for a pure heart to enjoy Him and hope in Him. In that, I’m always reminded to guard against self-deception.
In 1 Samuel 30:6, David and his band of misfits came home to discover that the Amalekites had raided and taken everything! Keep in mind that Amalek is a type of the flesh. His men got angry at David and wanted to stone him. Leadership has rewards, but also consequences, even when it is not your fault and beyond your control. Here we read, “But David strengthened himself in Adonai his God.” (Some render it encouraged. Either way, the question is, “How?”
If we review David’s life, we quickly realize it was by rehearsing his past victories, reminding himself of the Covenant, and praising God. He set the LORD before him. (Psalm 16:8).
The result is seen in the next few verses. He inquired of God. He acted on God’s directive. Then in verses 18-19 we find that David recovered EVERYTHING!
Romans 15:4 tells us that what was written aforetime was for our instruction. Therefore, God provided this account to give us a pattern for complete victory and full restoration. David’s pattern would be a good pattern for us! We have a world to win, an assignment to complete, a call to carry out. How do we achieve it? Romans 13:12-14 gives us the pathway to victory.
- Realize the hour and urgency.
- Take action in two directions:
- Put off the works of darkness.
- Put on the armor of light.
What does that look like? The answer is in verses 13-14.
- Stop yielding to the flesh.
- End carousing and drunkenness.
- Stop sexual impropriety.
- Stop envy and strife.
- Then, pursue Jesus.
- Stop making provisions for the flesh and focus on Jesus!
Let the Love of God fill our hearts and minds. Romans 13:7-10 says that if Love fills our hearts, hate will not fill our hands. We are each personally accountable for our actions. All will stand before God. No excuses will survive. If we are overflowing in Love for God and others, “just as” Jesus loves, we will put off the flesh and put on the pure! Victory is ours; let us take it! Make the choice and rejoice!
LORD, help us to receive the Total Recovery of Your Provision and Promise!
