August 20, 2023
What does it say?
David and his men arrived in Ziklag to find the city burned and their families kidnapped. With God before them, they attacked the Amalekites and rescued their loved ones.
What does it mean?
After traveling 75 miles to get back to Ziklag, the hungry, tired men discovered their families were gone and their city destroyed by fire. David was as low as he could get, “but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” After at least 16 months of not seeking or hearing from the Lord and having everything taken from him, David turned back to God. Although it took reaching rock bottom, David finally asked God what his next move should be. The faith-filled David was back, trusting and seeking His almighty, loving God!
How should I respond?
It often takes reaching rock bottom for God to get our attention. Humans are willful and stubborn, but God loves us and is full of mercy and grace. We can’t get so far away from God that He can’t reach us, but He will never force us to obey. When have you been far from the Lord? What did God allow in your life to get your attention and get you to turn back to Him? Are you currently seeking God’s direction or following your own reasoning? Don’t wait for God to get your attention; change direction today.