Pursuing What was Lost

February 15, 2025

David, empowered by God's word, gathered his men and relentlessly pursued the Amalekites.

This meditation delves into 1 Samuel 30, reflecting on David's response to adversity and discovering how we, like David, can find strength, healing, and provision through faith in God's Word. We will explore the spiritual parallels between David's life and our own, learning to reclaim what the enemy has stolen and walk in the fullness of God's promises.

When There Seems to Be No Way, God Makes a Way

Imagine the scene: Ziklag, David's refuge, lies in smoldering ruins. The Amalekites, a ruthless enemy, have raided the city, taking captive the women and children, including David's two wives. The possessions they had accumulated, their livelihoods, their sense of security – all gone. David's men, overcome with grief and anger, talk of stoning him. It's a moment of utter despair, a situation where human strength fails. Yet, in this darkest hour, David turns to the one source of unwavering strength: God.

"Then David asked the Lord, ‘Should I chase after this raiding party? Will I catch them?’ And the Lord told him, ‘Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you.’" (1 Samuel 30:8)

God's response is a resounding affirmation: "Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything."

Pursuing What Was Lost: Acting on Faith

God's promise to David wasn't a passive guarantee. It required action, a pursuit of what was stolen. David, empowered by God's word, gathered his men and relentlessly pursued the Amalekites. This pursuit wasn't merely a physical chase; it was an act of faith. David's actions demonstrated his belief in God's promise. This principle applies to our lives as well. God's blessings often require our active participation. We are called to be

"doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22).

Just as David pursued his stolen possessions, we must actively pursue the promises God has given us. This might involve stepping out in faith, taking risks, or persevering through challenges. But the assurance we have is that when we align our actions with God's Word, He empowers us to achieve the impossible.

God's Will is God's Word

We often find ourselves grappling with the question of God's will, especially when facing difficult circumstances. We may wonder why sickness, financial struggles, or relational conflicts plague our lives. We may even mistakenly attribute these trials to God's will, believing that He is somehow punishing us or teaching us a lesson through suffering. However, this perspective contradicts the nature of God as revealed in His Word. God is a good Father who desires to bless His children. His will is not for us to live in sickness, poverty, or despair. His will is for us to experience the abundant life He promised through Jesus Christ.

"God's will is God's Word."

This powerful statement encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God. His will is not a mysterious, elusive concept. It is clearly revealed in the pages of Scripture. The Bible is our guidebook, our roadmap to understanding God's desires for our lives. When we immerse ourselves in His Word, we discover His promises of healing, provision, and peace. We learn that His will is for us to prosper in every area of our lives – spirit, soul, and body.

The Power of Declaration and Decree

David's encounter with the lion and the bear provides a powerful illustration of the authority we have as believers. When faced with these ferocious predators threatening his flock, David didn't cower in fear. He boldly confronted them, rescuing the vulnerable lamb from their jaws.

"I went after it with a club and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death." (1 Samuel 17:35)

David's actions weren't driven by recklessness but by a deep understanding of his responsibility as a shepherd. He knew the lamb belonged to him, and he was willing to risk his own life to protect it. This same principle applies to our spiritual lives. We are God's children, and He has entrusted us with precious promises. When the enemy attempts to steal our health, our finances, or our peace, we have the authority to confront him and reclaim what is rightfully ours. This authority comes from our identity in Christ. We are seated with Him in heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 2:6). We have been given the power to tread on serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). Therefore, we can boldly declare and decree God's Word over our situations, knowing that our words carry weight in the spiritual realm.

Nothing Lacking, Nothing Missing, Nothing Broken

David's unwavering commitment to rescuing even one lost lamb reveals a profound truth about God's heart. He cares deeply for each of us, just as a shepherd cares for every sheep in his flock. As children of God, we are complete in Him. We are not defined by what we lack, what we've lost, or what is broken in our lives. Our identity is rooted in Christ, who has made us whole.

This understanding empowers us to stand firm in our faith, even when facing adversity. We can confidently declare that we lack nothing because we have Christ. We miss nothing because we have His presence. We are not broken because He has made us new creations. This declaration is not a denial of our struggles, but an affirmation that our identity in Christ is the recipe for overcoming the challenges. It is a recognition that our true worth and completeness are found in Him alone.

Conclusion

Like David, we can face life's challenges with unwavering faith, knowing that God is with us. By strengthening ourselves in the Lord, acting on His Word, and declaring His promises, we can reclaim what the enemy has stolen and walk in the fullness of God's blessings.

Reflect on This:

• How can you actively pursue God's promises in your life today? Consider specific areas where you need to step out in faith and take action. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with God's Word?

• What area of your life needs to be restored, and how can you apply David's example to reclaim it? Is it your health, your finances, your relationships, or your emotional well-being? Reflect on how David's pursuit of the Amalekites can inspire you to pursue restoration in your own life.

  
  

Prayer:

Father God, I thank you that Your loving-kindness endures forever. I declare that I am healed, whole, and complete in You. I lack nothing, miss nothing, and am not broken. I reclaim every promise You have given me, walking in the fullness of Your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways:

• Strength comes from the Lord, especially in times of adversity. Remember to turn to Him as your source of strength when facing challenges.

• God's will is revealed in His Word. Study the Scriptures to understand His desires for your life.

• Acting on faith is essential to receiving God's promises. Don't just be a hearer of the Word, but a doer as well.

• We have authority to rebuke the enemy's attacks. Boldly declare and decree God's Word over your situations.

• As God's children, we are complete in Him, lacking nothing. Rest in your identity in Christ and know that you are whole.

All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.

To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.