So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. 1 Samuel 30:3
David and his 600 men returned from battle to Ziklag, where they were living. They found it destroyed by fire, and all of their wives, sons and daughters gone. The Amalekites had burned the city and taken them captive along with their livestock and valuables.
v. 4, "Then David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep."
It is important to grieve loss. Moving on too quickly can inhibit the process of recovery from great loss.
David lost his wives, his home, and all of his belongings. In his time of great personal loss, in a state of exhaustion from deep grieving, David then faced the additional difficulties of loneliness and fear for his life.
v. 6a, "Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters."
In times of great pain and loss people need someone to blame. Leaders are often attacked and made scapegoats. Regardless of fault or lack thereof, or control over circumstances or lack thereof, they are expected to perfectly anticipate and act in ways that prevent any suffering of the people they lead. Though no one can live up to that desired and often expected standard, there is something leaders can do when they are suffering in this way. Look at David who, 1st of all,
v. 6b, "... strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
Turn to God for renewed strength.
Both David and God played a role here. David turned to God to find strength. God provided the strength.
David already had a relationship with the Lord. The Lord was already his God. At this point David had already been anointed to be the future of king of Israel and 1 Samuel 15:13b, says, "...the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward." In 1 Samuel 18:14, "David was prospering in all his ways for the Lord was with him."
David had passion for the Lord. In 1 Samuel 17, David as a boy went up against the giant Goliath and killed him because Goliath was taunting God.
In the strength God had provided, David was able to think clearly enough to consider what to do regarding these difficulties. He didn't immediately act , but asked God.
v. 8, "David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I pursue this band: Shall I overtake them?' And He said to him, 'Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and you shall surely rescue all.'"
David had a long history of asking God and following his instructions. 1 Samuel 23 has multiple examples of David's inquiring of God regarding battles. God instructed David each time, and told him what the outcome would be.
In God's strength and following his directions, David acted.
In v.9-20 In the strength God provided, David and his men pursued the enemy and "recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and rescued his 2 wives... nothing was missing, whether small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything that they had taken for themselves; David brought it all back."
We can follow David's example to lead well in any area of influence God gives us. Our relationship with God is essential to living life victoriously and abundantly, and leading others to do the same. Unlike David, as Christians living after the cross of Christ, we already have the indwelling Holy Spirit Who is available to bring His power to every situation we face. Like David, we can get to know God, and develop a passion for Him and His ways. Like David, we can ask God and learn to hear his directions. Like David, we can walk in the strength God provides to recover from our losses.
In times of pain and loss, people especially need strong, godly leadership. Take the time to grieve the loss. Turn to God for renewed strength. Consider the situation and possible responses. Ask God before you act on any idea. When you have heard from God, walk boldly and confidently in His strength, in obedience to His direction. Victory and recovery are available, and with God's help we can move forward and recover.
PRAYER
Abba Father, We thank you for your loving care for us. Thank you for teaching us that though pain and loss are a part of life, we can find strength in You, we can hear from You, and we can recover and move forward. Lord help us to give ourselves the time and the permission to grieve fully. Please help us to know you and grow our passion for you. We pray Lord from Isaiah 30:21, that our "ears will hear a word behind (us), 'This is the way, walk in it,' whenever (we) turn to the right or to the left.'" Help us to appropriate the strength you provide us to obey your directions so we may move forward and recover from our losses. In Jesus' Holy Name we pray. Amen and amen.
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