Hope And Restoration

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

The time in Ziklag was one of the darkest hours in David’s life. One day, when David was out of the city, the Amalekites invaded and burned it to the ground. David’s family and children were taken captive, and all his possessions were totally destroyed. By now, David had spent 10 years as a fugitive from Saul and he was already battle-weary. The anguish was so great that he and his men cried “until they [had] no more power to weep” (1 Sam. 30:4).

The men around him were so emotionally grieved that they turned against him and wanted to stone him to death. A Ziklag-type circumstance is where most Christians forsake their faith and give up on life. But God is the God of restoration. He can turn your setback into a comeback!

(1) Decide to regain what you have lost. Restoration happens only when you really, really want to regain what you have lost. David wept before the Lord. God always honors a broken spirit and a contrite heart.

(2) Seek after God. In the midst of all the confusion, “David encouraged himself in the LORD his God” (30:6). There will be moments when you have to go to God’s presence all by yourself to find strength in Him. David started seeking the face of God to know His mind in the midst of his difficult situation.

(3) Surround yourself with strong believers. David had 600 men. But at Brook Besor, only 400 were left as the rest were too weary to continue with him. Strength is absolutely vital in restoration work. Surround yourself with believers who have the spiritual stamina to last the

distance with you.

(4) Gain knowledge of the situation. David needed knowledge. An Egyptian provided him with valuable information concerning the secret hideouts of the enemies (30:11-16). Strength comes from a position of knowing.

(5) Persevere until total victory is achieved. Never become complacent. Although David and his men were exhausted, they fought the Amalekites until the latter was totally subdued (30:17).

(6) Be serious to take back all the spoil. David recovered all that the Amalekites had stolen away (30:18-20). You need to take stock of all the losses Satan has infl icted upon your life and have an unshakable desire to recover them. What do you want to see God restore to you? Ziklag is a powerful reminder of one truth: that in your darkest hour of loss, there is always hope and restoration in God.