God's Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

As he did this, although he could not see a way out of his dif ficulty, David’s confidence grew stronger and stronger in God’s willingness to teach him what to do. The language of his heart was: “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3. David made no effort to work out a solution himself, but went to God via Abiathar, the priest, with the question, “Shall I pur sue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” God’s answer was prompt and positive, “‘Pursue them,’ he an swered. ‘You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the res cue.” 1Samuel 30:8. Immediately, the tumult among David’s men ceased and they set out after the enemy. They marched so rapidly that one third of their number collapsed after the first thirty miles. The remaining four hundred pressed on (see 1Samuel 30:10). God blessed them with the discovery of an Egyptian slave who had been abandoned by his Amalekite master. When this man was assured that he would not be delivered to his cruel master, he guided David and his men to the very spot where the raiders were absorbed in a drunken victory feast (see 1Samuel 30:11–16). As they came upon the encampment of the Amalekites the scene of revelry met their gaze. “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 Philis tines and from Judah.” 1Samuel 30:16. David ordered an immediate attack and his men rushed fiercely upon their confused and surprised prey. Steps to Success: 1.David refused to permit his mind to dwell upon the forbidding circumstances. 2.He looked earnestly to God for help. 3.By reviewing his own past life, and seeing how the Lord had never forsaken him, he “encouraged him self in the Lord his God.”