How to protect your joy.

1 Samuel 30:1-8

We all know that living in this world is not easy. The closer we get to the coming of the Lord we feel the pressure seemingly increase everyday.

We are faced with decisions that not only affect our lives but the lives of many others. It seems that sometime our joy has been kidnapped and the ransom payment is too high to even worry about pay.

The life of David provides us with the necessary tools to help us protect our joy. We all have questions concerning our joy; like, “how do I keep my joy when I am losing my health, my job, my income, or my family?”

Keep the faith.

David finds himself in a difficult place. The Philistine troops are gathered to re-group and the Israelites are gathered by a fountain in Jezreel. The lords of the Philistine army do not want David fighting with them because in the heat of the battle they believe he might turn of them and become their adversary.

Once David and his men returned to Ziklag they found the Amalekites had raided Negev and Ziklag, burned it and kidnapped [drove off] all the people, including women and children.

The bible declares they cried so much that they had no strength to cry. They were devastated.

Sometimes we find it difficult to keep the faith when all is lost. David finds himself in a dilemma. The men who have been with him are now bitter in spirit and they desire to kill David by stoning.

David and his men had not suffered a defeat.

The bible states that David was greatly distressed. This gives us a vivid picture of “someone being placed in a tight corner or the description of a potter pressing his clay into a mould.”

Stay in fellowship.

Everyone reacts differently to difficulty and distress. David stayed in fellowship with the Lord. David knew he would find no solace from his men, but he did know he would find guidance and tranquility from the Lord.

Saul looked to the medium [mistress of a ghost] at Endor.

We must discipline ourselves to seek the Lord at all times. He must be first.

Stay focused.

David calls for the priest to bring the ephod. The ephod was a part of the High Priest garments and it symbolized the presence of the Lord. When we stay focused on the Lord it is easy to stay in fellowship with Him. We are always encouraged to focus on God’s words and allow His Holy Spirit to speak to us. This is where we receive our direction.

When David stayed focused and in fellowship with God, God told him exactly what to do.

If you have misplaced your joy, pursue it; if circumstances have clouded your joy, pursue it; if sin has jaded your joy, pursue it.

A willingness to forgive.

Read verse 18, 19.

Keeping in line with God’s directions brings about healing and restoration. David recovered everything he lost.

Read verse 22, 23.

If you want to protect your joy then you must:

Ø Keep the faith.

Ø Stay in fellowship.

Ø Stay focused.

Ø Be willing to forgive.

Real joy is only found by allowing Jesus into your life.