Look to the Lord and Act
1Sam 29:11-30:12
Synopsis 1Sam 29:11-30:12 11/6/2018
The Philistines rejected David and his warriors. So, King Achish directed them to return to Ziklag immediately. This prevented David and his men from participating in the great Battle for Mount Gilboa.
The trip was nearly fifty miles long. So, it took several days to journey. And when David and his men arrived back to Ziklag, they were horrified. The Amalekites had raided their city. And they took all of the people to be sold into slavery. Additionally, the city was burned and in ruins.
Naturally, David’s warriors grieved. They wept loudly. And they blamed David for their misfortune. So much so, that they nearly stoned him in revolt.
But David looked to the Lord. He called the priest Abiathar. And then he conferred with God through the priest. He received word to pursue the Amalekite raiders. And so his men began the pursuit, though not all of them were able to press through the journey.
David Looked to the Lord
David knew the loneliness of leadership. And, in the moment of his greatest grief and a near mutiny against him, he sought the counsel of the Lord. He needed answers and direction. And so, though it was not his intention, he demonstrated what was most real and trustworthy in his life.
And God answered him. So, David pursued even though he and his men were nearly exhausted. He took action.
Look to the Lord and Act
Everyone interprets their circumstances. And most people are remarkably willing to interpret other people’s circumstances. But, David looked to the Lord for interpretation. So, if I respond like he did, then I’ll make it my business to look for God’s perspective. And like David, this could end up feeling a little bit lonely.
Loneliness: It can be disorienting. Feeling lonely when there are other people around is counter-intuitive. So my natural tendency is to think, “It shouldn’t be like this. How can I be lonely in the midst of a crowd?”
But loneliness isn’t my adversary. Instead, it’s a signal that what I need only God can provide.
So go to God. And then act.
Seek out the LORD and his might; constantly seek his face. Psalms 105:4
