When the Bottom Drops Out
I Samuel 30
July 30, 2000

Loss:

-          one tragedy on top of another

-          grief

-          emotional wrenching

-          venting of all our inward anguish

-          Reaction or response

David refused to interpret the situation as God's opposition; rather it was divine opportunity.  Consider how this was the ultimate turning point for David.  His men tried to pin the blame on him, but he found refuge in the Lord

 

Strength:

You understand the true source of strength in loss

-          Some try diversion or denial

-          Some resign themselves to anger or bitterness

-          Some turn to abuses to cope

-          But only relationship with the Lord suffices... "Lord his God"

-          The preposition and pronoun speak volumes.  This is the most important pronoun, for David could no longer say, "my house, my family" because of loss, but nothing changes "my God."

Remember the Lord your God

-          No accidents of surprises

-          No weakness on his part

-          No fretting over the circumstances

-          See Him as He really is

o       Immutable - Psalm 61:2-4, 62:2, 5-8

o       Compassionate - Psalm 59:10

o       Good - Psalm 25:8

o       Gentle - Psalm 62:12

o       Faithful - Psalm 59:16-17

-          Our circumstances never change Him

-          Our loss is met with His grace

Live in the strength and joy of relationship to Him

-          This is the problem with much of modern pop-Christianity

-          "Using God" in bad times will not do

-          He does not serve as our prop

-          Loss, difficulties, tough times do not mean that God is ready to "jump in" to give you a hand, then let you go your own way; that is not relationship

-          Relationship has a beginning:  faith in Christ

-          Relationship is nurtured

Strengthen yourself in the Lord your God

-          Rely on His promises

-          Trust in His great mercy

-          Access His throne of grace (vv. 7-8), Hebrews 4:14-16

 

Providence:

-          I and II Samuel are books on God's providence!

-          David had direction to pursue the kidnapped but where would he go?

-          Three days before the need an Amalekite left his sick servant - Providence!

-          Here is God's grace at work to lead David to victory

-          Grace saved all that was his and added even more vv. 18-20

-          Here is the principle illustrated:  triumph belongs to the God's people ultimately by God's gracious providence at work

-          Illustration: Davis quote of Andrew Melville 178

 

What has the Lord been working for years to meet you at the point of your need?

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