October 05, 2024
- Read 1 Samuel 30: 1-30 (NIV)
In the previous devotional we learned that we must look for hope in every curveball though it may prove difficult. We will continue with our lesson on re-establishing dominion.
The previous devotion focused on David and his men coming back from war and their camp was raided, and their wives and children taken captive. The reason why this situation occurred in the first place was due to misalignment. When David was under attack from Saul, David decided to take refuge amongst the Philistines.
The Philistines intended to go and fight the Israelites, and David convinced them to fight with them – which would have been a mistake. It was at this time while David was away that his home was raided because the Philistines would not allow him to fight with them. As children of God, we must never misalign ourselves with enemies of his people.
The reason why this situation occurred in the first place was due to misalignment.
Whenever we fight the church, or the children of God, we leave ourselves exposed. May it never be that a curveball is thrown our way because we left ourselves exposed by opposing the people of God like David did with the Philistines.
How do we re-establish dominion after a misalignment?
As people of His presence, we must abhor pettiness as it sometimes leads to delay. In 1 Samuel 30:6, David’s men were already thinking of stoning him, as they felt he was the cause of all their problems. This would have solved nothing, and the captives would not have been released or returned. Whenever chaos ensues, we need to forsake our own will and return to God, who is our place of order. We constantly require God’s presence. We need to stay in His word and speak to Him directly in unknown tongues - 1 Corinthians 14:2. When we enter and stay in the presence of God, we receive bread and are strengthened - Psalms 104:14-15 NKJV.
God will speak to us through His still small voice, through other people, through dreams, and visions. Through His answers, we can rearrange situations and hold on to hope. One way to provoke answers from God is through asking. In verse 8b of our anchor text, it says David inquired of the Lord saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” God answered confirming that indeed David would pursue and overtake the Philistines, recovering all they had lost.
In situations of difficulty, we must remember to trust in God like David and in due time He will use us to reestablish the dominion He placed over our lives or the lives of His people.
Song of Worship
I just want to be where you are,
Dwelling daily in your presence,
I don't want to worship from afar,
Draw me near to where you are
Song I want to be where You are by Don Moen
Prayer - Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to come and stay in Your presence when there is chaos. Help us to hear You when You speak. Help us to be sensitive to Your message and grant us strength when our souls need it the most, in the Mighty name of Jesus. Amen.