1 Samuel 29-30 God Steps In During David's Darkest Hour

It looked like David and his men were about to have to battle their fellow Israelites, but the Philistine commanders drew a line and insisted that Achish send them home to Ziklag.  "God helps us avoid situations that would divide our loyalties and break our hearts," the sidebar in my Bible said.

They headed back to Ziklag, only to discover that their entire city had been burned to the ground by invading Amalekites, and their families and possessions had been taken away.

The men were exhausted from their 3-day journey, and they wept out of distress for their families.  "Different people react in different ways to the same circumstances, because what life does to us depends on what life finds in us ... David knew that the encouragement he needed could only come from the Lord.  He ordered Abiathar the priest to bring the ephod and together they sought the will of the Lord."

God told them to chase after the raiders.  They traveled 16 miles, where one third of his 600 men had to stop -- too exhausted to continue.  Also, they had no idea where to go next -- until they found an Egyptian slave that the Amalekites had left for dead.  Grateful that they had saved his life, he led them to the Amalekites and David's men fought for 24 hours, killing all but 400 of the Amalekites and rescuing their families and possessions.  "The Lord had kept the Egyptian alive so David could rescue the families that had been kidnapped," my commentary said.

"As you review what the Lord did for David in that dark hour of his life, you can better understand how He helps people when problems and crises come into their lives.  First, the Lord encouraged David so that he didn't despair but trusted the Lord to help him.  Whenever a crisis comes, we need the courage to face it, and we must not try to blame others or pretend that nothing is wrong.  The Lord also gave David wisdom to know what to do and the strength to do it ... The Lord also provided David with the facts he needed so he could find where the enemy was camped in that vast wilderness.  When we step out by faith and trust the Lord, He will guide us when we need it.  Finally, God gave David and his men the strength they needed to defeat the enemy and recover the prisoners and their wealth.  'Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.'"

Father, stoke up my faith in You.  I do trust You.  I know You've got this.  I just need to hear Your encouragement right now.

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford