Today's treasure: 1 Samuel 30: 6
Read 1 Samuel 29: 1-30:6
What two arguments did the Philistine commanders make against David to keep him out of battle?
Describe the response of David and his men according to 1 Samuel 30:4
Why would the men want to stone David? ( v. 6)
David was greatly distressed over the blame his men cast on him. He responded by finding "strength in the Lord his God."
The verses paint a perfect portrait of our human nature.
1. Hurting people often find someone to blame. When we've suffered a loss, just like David's men we often look for stones to throw--and someone at whom to throw them.
2. Nothing hurts more than our children in jeopardy. Many things hurt and cause us to search for stones to throw, but, as in verse 6, nothing has the potential to cause bitterness in spirit like matters involving the children.
David's men ultimately arrived at a place of reason. They chose not to act at the peak of emotions--a wise response for all of us!
3. Nothing helps more than finding strength in our God. Sometimes no one offers us encouragement of helps us find strength. Knowing how to encourage ourselves in the Lord is essential.
Read 1 Samuel 30: 7-31 and think on these questions:
How did David make the decision to pursue the captors?
Why did 200 men stay behind?
What was the raiding party doing when David saw them?
Assured victory does not mean easy wins. God told David in advance he would "certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue" yet we see references to exhaustion, hard work, a nonstop 24 hour battle and 400 escapees. God was true to His word. God often gives us a victory that requires blood, sweat and tears. When He can bring about a victory and strengthen and mature us all at the same time, He will do it.
God revels in overcoming and undergirding all at once. God's idea of victory has virtually nothing to do with plunder. It has to do with people.
We don't have to win big to win. God called it a victory when even 400 men got away. If your family has come out of serious battle intact, fall on your face and praise our faithful God!
We constantly fight an unseen enemy. God has assured us victory, but He has told us to take an aggressive stand against the evil one, covering ourselves in His armor. !!!!
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