Where do you find strength when you stand in the ashes?

Chapter 29 focused on the scene behind enemy lines before the Philistines and Israel went to battle. In Chapter 30, the Philistines advanced northward toward the Jezreel Valley for the final showdown with Saul while David headed south back toward Ziklag. Here is what happens next in 1 Samuel 30:1-6.

Now when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, the Amalekites had made a raid against the Negeb and against Ziklag. They had overcome Ziklag and burned it with fire and taken captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great. They killed no one, but carried them off and went their way. And when David and his men came to the city, they found it burned with fire, and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep. David's two wives also had been taken captive, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. — 1 Samuel 30:1-6

David had narrowly escaped a moral disaster. He had been spared from fighting against Israel—his own people—in a battle alongside the Philistines. Though rejected by the Philistine leaders, David likely felt a strange relief as he and his men returned to Ziklag. But relief quickly turned into devastation. Their city had been raided and burned, their families taken captive. And the men who had been his closest allies were now bitterly angry, speaking of stoning him.

This was the final test before David would ascend to the throne God had promised. The pressure was immense. Everything David had built seemed lost—his home, his family, his friendships, even his leadership. Yet, in this moment of utter despair, he made a defining choice. "He strengthened himself in the Lord his God."

What does finding strength in the Lord in a moment like this mean?

It’s not just wishful thinking or a vague prayer. David strengthened himself by turning his entire focus to God. He likely prayed with raw honesty, pouring out his fears and grief. He remembered God’s faithfulness in past trials—rescuing him from Saul, giving him victory over Goliath, and guiding him in the wilderness. He anchored himself in God’s promises, knowing that God had anointed him to be king and that He finishes what He starts. David’s strength didn’t come from within but from surrendering his weakness to God and trusting Him to act.

In our lives, finding strength in the Lord looks the same. It means stopping to pray, even when we feel too overwhelmed to find the words. It’s reflecting on God’s unchanging character—His power, His love, and His ability to redeem any situation. It’s digging into Scripture, letting His promises speak louder than our fears. And it’s choosing to trust Him, even when the outcome is unclear.

In life, we all face Ziklag moments—times when relationships strain, circumstances crumble, leadership is tested, and we stand in the ashes. When those moments come, you have a choice: You can give in to despair, or you can press into God for the strength to endure. Like David, you must learn to seek Him as your refuge, even when everything around you feels like it’s falling apart.

#StrengthInGod, #ZiklagMoments, #FaithOverFear

1. How can remembering God’s past faithfulness help you find strength in your current challenges?
2. What steps can you take to seek God’s strength in despair?

Stand strong in the ashes with God.

Lord, when I feel surrounded by loss and uncertainty, remind me to seek strength in You alone. Help me to trust Your promises, knowing You are faithful in carrying me through every trial. Amen.

Beauty for Ashes.

Do you feel sidelined? If so, you are not abandoned.

In today’s chapter, we step behind enemy lines with the Philistines as they prepare for battle. David, however, finds himself shut out—rejected from joining their ranks. Let’s see how he responds in 1 Samuel 29:10-11:

"Now then rise early in the morning with the servants of your lord who came with you, and start early in the morning, and depart as soon as you have light.” So David set out with his men early in the morning to return to the land of the Philistines. But the Philistines went up to Jezreel. — 1 Samuel 29:10-11

David, the anointed future king of Israel, is dismissed from the battlefield. Despite all his efforts to live among the Philistines, they deemed him too risky to bring along. So, at dawn, David and his men pack up and leave while the Philistine army marches to war.

Here’s the remarkable part: David doesn’t argue, retaliate, or force his way in. He doesn’t fight a battle that isn’t his to fight. Instead, he humbly accepts the directive and departs.

David’s response is a masterclass in trusting God. He could have reacted in frustration or tried to force his plans forward. But instead, David chose to trust God’s timing. What looked like rejection was divine redirection.

We’ve all faced moments like this—doors close, plans fall apart, and we’re left asking, “Why, Lord?” But often, these are God’s ways of keeping us from battles we were never meant to fight.

Being sidelined doesn’t mean being abandoned. Sometimes, being sidelined is actually your salvation.

How many times in your life has this been true? Maybe you were passed over for a promotion, only to realize later it would’ve led to burnout. Perhaps a dating relationship ended, making way for someone more aligned with God’s purpose for you. Or maybe a financial opportunity fell through, saving you from overwhelming debt.

If David had joined the Philistines in battle, it might have disrupted the events leading to his ascent to the throne. God wasn’t sidelining David—He was saving him and declaring that his season of suffering under Saul was over. His time to reign had come.

In the same way, trust God’s plan when you feel stuck on the sidelines. Your moment is coming—God is preparing you for something greater.

#GodsTiming #DivineRedirection #LeadWithFaith

1. Are you fighting a battle God may ask you to step away from and trust His more fantastic plan?
2. How can you view closed doors as God’s protection or preparation for something better?

Have faith in the Lord.

Lord, help me trust Your timing when doors close and plans change. Teach me to see Your redirection as a path to something greater. Amen.

Stand In Faith.

After Christmas, we will begin a 22-year journey through the Bible. The first book is The Letter of James. The new format will be 7 days in the chapter (Daily Devo) and then one longer form of teaching from that chapter (The Vince Miller Show). It will feel like seven days of close examination of Scripture, with one high-level teaching that is practical and applicable, tying the chapter together. Also, I want you to pray that God will use this in a special way so that people everywhere will know, grow, and go in their faith, living all-in for Him.

Don't force open a door that God has locked shut.

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

In this chapter, we look behind enemy lines at the Philistines as they line up for battle, and David just got shut out from joining the Philistines. Let's see how he responds in 1 Samuel 29:8-9:

And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? What have you found in your servant from the day I entered your service until now, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” And Achish answered David and said, “I know that you are as blameless in my sight as an angel of God. Nevertheless, the commanders of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ — 1 Samuel 29:8-9

David is too cunning for his own good. Even his mortal enemy believes he is as blameless as an angel. The swagger, the scheming, and the strategy of this man were unmatched. He managed to stay loyal to Saul and Achish at the same time while surrounded by nothing but enemies.

Now you know why he later got into trouble with Bathsheba. He was too cunning for his own good but not clever enough to pull one over on God.

As I said yesterday, God had different plans for this battle. David could outstrategize everyone alive, but he wasn’t about to outstrategize God.

In moments like this, we need to recognize God’s sovereignty at work instead of trying to force our own strategies. David’s cunning may have kept him alive and in Achish’s good graces, but it wasn’t enough to override God’s plan. Achish’s hands were tied—not by his own authority but by the unseen hand of God, working through the Philistine commanders to keep David out of a battle he had no business fighting.

Sometimes, God intervenes in ways we don’t expect—or even understand. David might have felt ready to fight, but God knew the battle wasn’t his to fight. If David had taken one more step, he would have forced a conflict that wasn’t part of God’s plan. Perhaps you’ve been there too—eager to step into a situation, convinced you’re prepared, only to find the door slammed shut. When that happens, it can feel frustrating, but often it’s God who has closed the door.

Like David, you must trust that God’s plans are better than your strategies. Even when you feel capable and confident in your abilities, remember that God sees what you cannot. He knows which battles will grow you and which ones could destroy you.

So today, take a moment to reflect on the doors God has closed in your life. Instead of trying to force open a door He has locked shut, trust His sovereign protection. It’s not rejection—it’s redirection toward a better purpose.

#TrustGod, #GodsPlan, #FaithOverStrategy

1. What doors in your life might God be closing for your protection or redirection?
2. How can you trust God's plan over your strategies today?

Reflect on one door God has closed and why.

Father, thank You for protecting me from battles I’m not meant to fight. Help me trust Your wisdom and follow Your direction. Amen.

Every Closed Door.