1 Samuel 30:6 – “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, I was reminded of the goodness of God and the requirement of purity of heart to enjoy Him and hope in Him.   In that, there is always a reminder to avoid 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.

1. Realize the hour and urgency.

2. Take action in two directions:

3. Put off the works of darkness.

4. Put on the armor of light.

What does that look like? We see the answer 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 encourage ourselves in You!