Feeling Like An Ashe

The “Scorched Earth Policy” is a military strategy which destroys anything that may be useful to the enemy. Virtually everything is left in total destruction. Initially it was called “burning crops”. This was done to deny the enemy a source of food. It was used against Napoleon and Hitler’s armies that invaded Russia. Everything was reduced to ashes. The practice goes back to early history.

David, his warriors and their families lived in Ziklag, a Philistine city that was given him during his exile in the days of Saul. While David and his men were at war, the Amaelkites invaded his city and left it in smoldering ruins. Clouds of bellowing smoke, razed homes and broken artifacts left in smoldering ruins was the scene that greeted them upon their return. Their wives, children, cattle and all their possessions were taken. “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep … And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters ...” (1 Samuel 30:1-6) Everything David had worked for had gone up in smoke. His life achievements, his hopes and dreams had been dashed to pieces. All that was left were the broken shards and smoldering ruins of what “once used to be”. Camelot was gone. Furthermore, those that were closest to him abandoned him and were about to stone him.

There are many that can identify with David. Have you gone through so severe a loss that all your strength is waned because of weeping? The gossip that is shared in hushed tones behind your back is more damaging that a physical stoning. You cry out for help, but no one is able to change your circumstances. You feel totally demoralized and everything you have accomplished has been burnt to the ground and left in ashes. You feel like running, but where? Suicide is not the final escape. Curling up in a fetal position and sleeping through days of depression will never make the pain go away. Loading up on mind altering substances and mood elevating chemicals will only worsen to problem. Striking out at those around you in a futile attempt to vent your pain will further isolate you. Giving up is no solution either. Where does on turn in such times?

David found the answer. “… David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6) There is no other place to turn. Every human resource is limited. The Lord may use human resources to help you, but your strength is found in the Lord. Remember that safety is not found in the absence of danger. It is found in the presence of God. Protection is not secured by the strength of our defenses. It is found in the presence of God. Security is not assured by the abundance of our wealth. It is found in the presence of God. Pray for the presence of God in your life! Turn to Him in your moment of despair. He alone will turn your ashes into beauty and give you joy.

God will “… appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!