King of Hearts - Study Guide 13 - Passage: 1 Samuel 30

KING OF HEARTS – Study Guide 13 – “A Discouraged Heart”

Main Passage: 1 Samuel 30

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Study Guide Overview

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David’s ascent to Israel’s throne was not without trouble, even though he had been anointed by God to be Israel’s next king. During the season when he was on the run from Saul with his own army, David and his men suffered an incredible loss that left them completely bottomed out with discouragement. Most people would be paralyzed by overwhelming sorrow, but David had developed a healthy practice of turning to God in moments like this. This study guide will inspire believers to emulate David’s response when dealing with loss while also reminding them to look out for others who need refuge in the arms of a loving God.

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Group Conversation Starter

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What’s your favorite comfort food?

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Bible Passages

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1 Samuel 30:1-8
1 Three days later, when David and his men arrived home at their town of Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had made a raid into the Negev and Ziklag; they had crushed Ziklag and burned it to the ground.
2 They had carried off the women and children and everyone else but without killing anyone.
3 When David and his men saw the ruins and realized what had happened to their families,
4 they wept until they could weep no more.
5 David’s two wives, Ahinoam from Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel, were among those captured.
6 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. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
7 Then he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it.
8 Then David asked the Lord, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the Lord told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”

1 Samuel 30:17-20
17 David and his men rushed in among them and slaughtered them throughout that night and the entire next day until evening. None of the Amalekites escaped except 400 young men who fled on camels.
18 David got back everything the Amalekites had taken, and he rescued his two wives.
19 Nothing was missing: small or great, son or daughter, nor anything else that had been taken. David brought everything back.
20 He also recovered all the flocks and herds, and his men drove them ahead of the other livestock. “This plunder belongs to David!” they said.

Psalms 142
1 I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy.
2 I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.
3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.
4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me.
5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life.
6 Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me.
7 Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”

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Discussion Questions and Next Steps Below

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Group Discussion Questions

David and his soldiers return to their homes only to find them burned to the ground and their families and possessions all taken away. The passage says that David and his men wept until they could cry no more. When you picture these battle-hardened soldiers crying over their losses, how did you feel when you first read that? What do you think was going through their minds at this time? (1 Samuel 30:1-8)
This event put David’s life at risk. Do you think his men were right in blaming David’s leadership and wanting to stone him? How do you think you would have responded and why? (1 Samuel 30:1-8)
Despite the immense loss and pressure on David to go after their enemy, David still paused to seek the Lord for direction. How can believers today have a natural response to seek God first when dealing with overwhelming loss? (1 Samuel 30:1-8)
David finds comfort in talking to the Lord during this difficult time. What do you notice about the way David expresses his heart to God? How can Christians learn to be that transparent with God when they pray? (Psalm 142)

Personal Next Steps

Self-Check

David had a history of finding comfort in the Lord when he was discouraged. How do you remind yourself that God is your refuge when you are discouraged?
What are some ways you shift your focus from discouragement to the truth of God’s care and love for you?

Continuing the Conversation

Is there someone you know who is discouraged that you could share God’s love with?

Pray

Thank God for His promise to never abandon you.

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CORNERSTONE FAMILY CHURCH

Written by: Pastor Joe Albertini, Pastor Hal Gaudet, Pastor Todd McGlinchey