Read: 1 Samuel 30:11-25
David recovered all that the Amalekites had taken, and David rescued his two wives. (v. 18)
Focusing on loss and grief can be like staring into a dark, bottomless pit, and that can lead to tumbling into hopelessness. But David shows us what can happen when we turn our eyes to God instead, seeking his help and guidance. This change of focus was key for David as he moved from despair to action to restoration.
There was much at stake for David and his men; the Amalekites had taken their wives and children, as well as their property. But David didn’t pursue the Amalekites in a frenzied panic; instead, there was time for kindness and even generosity. He stopped to revive a slave discarded by his master and left to die; this man became a valuable source of information. After a long battle, David’s fighting men defeated the Amalekites and freed the women and children. As they headed back to Ziklag, David was generous to the exhausted men who had stayed behind to protect their supplies. David’s trust and obedience brought a satisfying end to this conflict. God restored their loved ones and their possessions; nothing was lost in the end.
In Psalm 121, the psalmist wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (vv. 1-2). That same God is the source of our help as well; turn your eyes to him, and he will direct your ways.
As you pray, turn your eyes away from your problems, and focus on Jesus.
Laura N. Sweet is a wife, mother, grandmother, and former Christian school teacher from Midland, Michigan. She writes devotional material for both adults and children, and her work has appeared in more than a dozen publications.
