1 Samuel 27-30

The wildernessis a metaphor for a time of discouragement in the life of a believer.

Discouragement= Anything that makes us less confident and less hopeful.

Why Do We Find Ourselves in The Wilderness Of Discouragement?

Discouragement often starts with negative thoughts(1 Samuel 27:1) 

Discouragement often leads to impulse decisions and compromise
(1 Samuel 27:2-29:11)

When discouragement leads to disobedience, the results are destructive(1 Samuel 30:1-2)

How Do We Get Out of The Wilderness? (1 Samuel 30:1-8)

• Youweep

“When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more. David’s two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel, were among those captured.” 1 Samuel 30:3-5 NLT

• Resistbitterness

“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him.”  1 Samuel 30:6 NLT

“Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” Hebrews 12:15 NLT

• Encourageyourself in the Lord.

“But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 NLT

Don’t look inward or outward, look upward

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.” Romans 15:4 NLT

• SeekGod’s wisdom and direction. (1 Samuel 30:7-8)

• Get back in the fight(1 Samuel 30:9-10)