1 Samuel 29:1-30:31, But David Strengthened Himself in the Lord

July 27, 2025, S-1655-KL
As the Philistines prepare for war with the Israelites, some of the leaders recognize David and demand that Achish, King of Gath, send him back. Returning to their temporary home in Ziklag, David and his men discover that invaders have ransacked the city and captured their wives and children. “Now David was greatly distressed… But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV). God encourages David to pursue the enemy and grants him victory. David rescues the women and children, recovers all their possessions, and takes great spoil, which he shares with many of the cities in Judah.
We again see parallels between these ancient events and current events, including the ongoing consequences of King Saul’s failure to utterly destroy the Amalekites as God had commanded. As we consider how David and his men were devastated when they learned their wives and children had been taken captive, likely to be abused or killed, may we, like David, be strengthened in the Lord and remember that God works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
Maranatha!
Associated notes, links, and the uncensored audio file are at calvarypo.org under Sermon Archives, https://calvarypo.org/sermons/but-david-strengthened-himself-in-the-lord-1-samuel-291-3031/