1 Samuel 29 & 30: Encouraged Himself In The LORD
Verse of the Day: (30:6) And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.

1. Evil (29:1-11)
Then Achish called David, and said unto him, Surely, as the LORD liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out and thy coming in with me in the host is good in my sight: for I have not found evil in thee since the day of thy coming unto me unto this day: nevertheless the lords favour thee not. (29:6)

Time will reveal the character of a person. Finally the Philistine King Achish told David that his leaders were suspicious of him as he was not only their enemy, but the Hebrew who slayed their warrior, Goliath. However, Achish also acknowledged the sincerity of David that he loved his people though they were his enemies. Indeed, let us who believe in the God of love, keep loving Him, and others, including our enemies. (1 John 4:7-21)

2. Encourage (30:1-7)
And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; (30:1)

Many times I wondered why as a Christian and even as a Pastor, I suffered much yet God showed me from His Word that all His men shall suffer. David suffered too. David thought that he could live peacefully after he left the Philistines, yet when he returned to Ziklag he discovered that another of his enemies, the Amalekites, not only had burnt Ziklag, but they captured his loved ones and those of his men as hostages. They wept sore, and his men blamed him, but David encouraged himself in God. Indeed, let us encourage ourselves in God, as He is our Refuge, Strength and Help in time of trouble. (Psalms 46)

3. Enquire (30:8-31)
And David enquired at the LORD. saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. (30:8)

Seek God first and everything shall fall in place. David not only encouraged himself in God, but he enquired God when he faced crises. God then commanded him to pursue the Amalekites. While pursuing the enemy, they found a sick Egyptian who was abandoned by them. David fed him and promised him that he would spare his life if he would reveal the location of the Amalekites. Subsequently David and his men invaded and defeated the Amalekites who were found eating, drinking, making merry and not prepared for battle. David and his men recovered everything, including their loved ones. (Matthew 6:33-34)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that I can encourage myself in You and Your love for me.