Have you ever been in Ziklag?
Everyone loves David and we all know it was said of him that he was a man after God’s own heart. There are many stories of David’s life. He went from the absolute top to the absolute bottom and back in every area of his life. He was criticized for his style of worship, saved Israel by slaying a giant (a feat that is still commonly referenced today), hid and lived in caves for years, his king attacked him with a spear, and his son Absalom planned an uprising against him. He defeated the Philistines and returned the ark to Jerusalem. He committed adultery and then murder to cover it up, was confronted specifically regarding it by Nathan the prophet. He won great military victories against unbelievable odds, He was told by God he could not build Gods Temple because we was a Man of Bloodshed. He reined as King over all of Israel for 33 years. I don’t know anyone who lived more life in a lifetime than David.
The Story I love the most is in 1 Samuel 30 when David and his men were in Ziklag. The Amalekites burned Ziklag and took David’s wives, sons and daughters, and the trust of his men. In verse 6 is says that "David was greatly distressed" and that "David and the people with him wept until they had no more power to weep" David’s men also lost their wives, sons and daughters and were going to stone David. Have you ever been in your own Ziklag?
There is a very small line in the story but it is the whole story. It says at the very end of verse 6 that "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God" When it is all "burned" and circumstances are beyond what we can control or effect, the Lord our God is the only place we can go. He is certainly the only place for perfect counsel.
David was truly as mighty a man as you will ever find. This is crystal clear as you read about his life. One of my favorite movies is Braveheart (Lyndi won’t watch all of it) starring Mel Gibson. As awesome as William Wallace, Mel Gibson’s great character from the movie was, it so pales in comparison to David’s actual life. So if a guy as awesome in might and power as David strengthened himself in the Lord his God, I would say it must be a wise thing for you and I to do.
When it looks like all is lost and burnt and it can only get worse, stop and strengthen your self in the Lord your God. What does this mean? To me it is getting alone, worshiping Him and coming to grips that he is God and I am in His hands, and seeking His counsel which David did in verse 7. The awesome part of the story is that in verse 17" then David attacked them from twilight until the evening of the next day. Not a man of them escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. So David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, and David rescued his two wives.
And nothing of theirs was lacking, either small or great, sons or daughters, spoil or anything which they had taken from them; David recovered all". He "Got it all back" It was all restored, In fact, he even captured what was taken earlier from Judah. How many times has it looked in your life that it was all burned and could not be recovered? That might be right now, at this very moment. Strengthen yourself in the Lord your God. Get counsel from the Lord. You can get it all back plus spoil to share with others.Dan Ruzicka
DCHEA Co-Leader
Dan and Lyndi Ruzicka are our DCHEA leaders for 2005-06.