Recovering It All

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture: I Samuel 30:1-19

I. The spirit of discouragement

A. Amalek represents the spirit of discouragement

1. Discourage (Webster’s): “To deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; to dishearten.”

2. Amalek were a wandering tribe

3. Amalek made an unprovoked attack against Israel at Rephadim (place of rest and comfort) when they were looking for rest (Exodus 17:8-16)

4. Moses and the people of Israel prevailed over the Amalekites and set up an altar to Jehovah-Nissi, the Lord our banner (victory.)

5. God vowed to war against Amalek from generation to generation

B. We must wage war on discouragement and prevail. The Lord is our victory!

II. David and Amalek (I Samuel 30:1-19)

A. David was destined to be king.

B. David was being hunted down by Saul.

C. Just before David became king, Amalek made a surprise attack on the unprotected village of Ziklag, David’s camp

1. They invaded

2. They attacked

3. They burned the city with fire

4. They took captives of family

5. They took spoil

D. When David and his men returned they were grief stricken and discouraged

1. Why God? Where are you? How did this happen? I serve you and this is what I get?

E. David’s men react

1. They wept until they could weep no more

2. They became angry and blamed David, determining to stone him

1) We want to blame someone other than the real enemy

2) Discouragement focuses on the problem rather than the solution

F. David’s response

1. He had been affected like the others. He had reason to grieve and to want to give up. But he responded to discouragement rather than reacting to his circumstances.

2. David strengthened (“encouraged” KJV) himself in the Lord. (verse 6)

3. David inquired of the Lord (direction) (verse8)

4. David pursued the enemy (verse 10)

5. David attacked the enemy (verse 17)

6. David recovered all (verses 17-19)

III. It is time to recover all!