But David Encouraged Himself

1 Samuel 29–30

David ran for fear of Saul, forgetting the promises of God which were upon his life. Saul ran to a witch seeking counsel from the late Samuel, disregarding God’s forbiddance upon seeking the help of those who claim to communicate with the dead.

It was a dark time in Israel and people were suffering. The Philistines are preparing to attack.

Saul is afraid. David is in a difficult place.

We are going to see how David responds to the trials he brought upon himself, and how God gets him through it all.

CHAPTER 29

vv. 1-2

David is in a situation where he is preparing to fight against his own people.

That obviously would have been opposed to the will of God for David.

The cost of compromise.

Puts you in places where you did not intend to be.

Unequally yoked together with unbelievers.

vv. 3-5

Here we see the intervention of God.

“Why is HE with us? This can’t be allowed. He can’t be trusted.”

vv. 6-11

“I’m going to have to let you go.”

Great words of relief to David.

David continues to play the part of a man loyal to the Philistines, but that was only pretense.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished (2 Pe. 2:9).

We do get ourselves into trouble.

But God is merciful and He does often get us out of trouble.

May we properly thank Him for His deliverance.

CHAPTER 30

vv. 1-5

This was a low point for David as a leader.

He brought his 600 men and the women to this location.

And it was a decision not made in faith or prayer.

This is the danger every leader faces—the high cost of making bad decisions.

It doesn’t only impact you, but everybody under your leadership.

They seemingly lost everything.

David ran to Ziklag because he was afraid Saul would get him.

Instead, the Amalekites got to him.

v. 6

In the midst of this desperation, we see an amazing turn in the heart of David.

His men were ready to turn against him.

He was truly alone.

Where can we go in such times?

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help (Ps. 121:1).

At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion (2 Tim. 4:16-17).

But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

This most-important decision was made in the most-difficult of circumstances.

How we CAN make these decisions regardless of our circumstances.

To refuse discouragement; to choose encouragement.

Yes, his heart was heavy because of the circumstances, but he did not allow himself to become discouraged.

vv. 7-8

David seeks the Lord here.

That is what we need in times of great distress.

Shall I pursue after this troop?

There are times to be still and know, to wait on the Lord, but also time to move and take action.

We want to follow God’s leading, not move ahead of Him.

vv. 9-16

God’s providence in finding the Amalekites.

The Lord directed them right to the place.

vv. 17-20

Complete victory!

David recovered all.

It took effort and work…..from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day.

vv. 21-25

David demonstrates strong leadership here.

Appreciating those who stay behind as well as those who go.

vv. 26-31

And David continues good leadership in returning the stolen items to the impacted people.

God delivered David from a compromising situation.

David faced a most-distressing situation.

David made the most-important decision which changed everything.

May we do the same.

Let’s not beat ourselves up and stay down.

Let’s encourage ourselves, get up, and seek God’s direction.

God can take the worst situations and turn them into good.

Jesus knew what it was like to be forsaken.

What, could ye not watch with Me one hour? (Matt. 26:40).

And they all forsook Him and fled (Mk. 14:50).

My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me? (Matt. 27:46).

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb. 13:5).

Though people forsake you, God will never forsake His people!

Encourage yourself in the Lord with that promise!