“He led David down, and there they were, scattered over the countryside, eating, drinking and reveling because of the great amount of plunder they had taken from the land of the Philistines and from Judah.17 David fought them from dusk until the evening of the next day, and none of them got away, except four hundred young men who rode off on camels and fled.18 David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, including his two wives. 19 Nothing was missing: young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken. David brought everything back. 20 He took all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock, saying, “This is David’s plunder.” 1 Samuel 30.16-20
In 1 Samuel 30:1-8, David inquires of the Lord whether he should pursue the Amalekites who took all their wives, children, livestock, and possessions from David and his men. God told him to go ahead and attack, assuring David of success. It wasn’t just a wish that David asked of the Lord; it was a guarantee. If God says He will do it, then He will do it.
David took 400 of his men and routed the Amalekites. Some escaped on camels, but everyone else was destroyed, and David recovered all the flocks, herds, children, and wives. “Nothing was missing.” David brought everything back and shared it with all his men, even those who were too exhausted to follow him into battle.
The focus of this reflection today is promises fulfilled. God will do what He says He will do. If God says it, you can bet He will complete it. Look at God’s faithfulness throughout the ages to His people. God says over and over in Scripture, “If you obey, I will bless you.” “If you follow, I will lead.” God is faithful even when humans are not. God sent us a Messiah to save us even when we are far from Him. So God’s faithfulness does not depend upon our obedience—His grace supersedes our ability to obey. But when we obey, when we are given strength to follow, we see God’s promises waiting to be fulfilled.
I’ve seen this time and again in my own experience. God has been faithful with my family, work, ministry calling, and relationships. He has been faithful in forgiving me, filling me with His Spirit, directing me to work for Him, and carrying forth His Great Commission and Kingdom-building into this world. Even when my love fails, God’s mighty flow of His Spirit continues. I can jump in at any time and experience His blessings. Some do not realize this life is all about connecting with and communicating with the Holy God. All that we do, say, and experience can be linked to a loving God who never relents in seeking out His children. God will not rest until we are made right in our relationship with Him.
David’s relationship with God was first and foremost. He inquired of God on large and small matters, and God responded by faithfully fulfilling His promises. “I will love you. I will guide you. I will save you. I will redeem you,” says the Lord.
It’s a matter of focus, discipline, and devotion. Make God first place in your life—not sin, not lust, not money, not possessions, not position, not worldly gain. Make God number one, and you will begin to sense your identity as you uncover His purpose for your life.
“O Lord God, I write this reflection while on vacation, focusing not upon my own achievements or ideals, but upon Your grace and love in my life. You reached out and saved me. Generation after generation either receives or rejects Your Word. You created us to know You—but many have been blinded. Come now, Holy Spirit, give sight to those who do not see. Allow them to open their spiritual eyes and see what You have in store. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.