Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

There is an often overlooked portion of scripture in 1 Samuel 30 that reveals an aspect of the kindness of God in such a powerful and beautiful way. 

The context for this verse is that David and his men returned home only to find that the Amalekites had raided their homes, taken their wives, children and stolen their flock and belongings. David and his men wept bitterly and at great length until they were utterly exhausted. Finally David was able to strengthen himself in the Lord and he received the instructions to pursue his enemy and recover all. 

When David went to his men to call to them to “pursue their enemy”, two hundred of them were too exhausted and in too much distress to go with him. David and the rest of his men went out and not only pursued their enemy but they fought every last one of them until they recovered all that had been taken. 

When they returned home with their recovered families and all that they plundered from their enemy, some of the men who had fought said that the two hundred who stayed behind should only receive their wives and children but none of the plunder since they did not fight with them. 

But David had God’s heart and said this,

“…The share of the man who stayed behind is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike.”” 1 Samuel‬ ‭30‬:‭24‬ 

What kindness! 

God knows that we are human and that there are times that we are exhausted from weeping and even in great distress. But, even when we cannot engage in the battle he does not penalize us in our weakness but allows us to receive the same share as the one who had the strength to battle the enemy. 

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace is unmerited favor— it is given when it is undeserved— it’s not earned. It Is not given bitterly but compassionately because of the great kindness of his love toward us. 

If you have felt that your exhaustion, weeping or your distress has left you exempt from God’s favor and blessings then this is for you. You may have remained behind while your brothers and sisters went into a battle but you will still receive the same share of the reward as they do. 

One day they may be weak while you are strong and the same kindness will be shown to them— but whether you stay or go— the victory and reward remains the same. 

That is the KINDNESS OF GOD!

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We want to take this opportunity to speak a blessing over you and your families as you enter into 2026. 

May God’s kindness be upon you throughout each day. May His grace be experienced through every moment. And may His love and favor rest upon you, your family and your home— upon ALL that pertains to you. 

May the Lord bless you

   and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you

   and be gracious to you.

May the Lord show you his favor

   and give you his peace.’

Numbers 6:24-26

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