Joshua 15

While reading through the list of cities in Judah that Joshua conquered, I discovered a nugget of truth.

Ziklag is one of these cities Joshua took, where David later headquartered after fleeing from Saul. It was controlled by the Philistines in David's day, though God had given it to Israel. And David was the rightful occupant of Israel's throne, though Saul controlled THAT. It has always been this way with God's people - Abraham worshipped at Shechem, in the land God had promised him, but the Canaanites were in the land (Gen 12:6). We, too, are promised we will inherit the earth, but the Philistines are still in control. Sometimes this even applies in the church - God had to remind Elijah that he wasn't the only faithful one left - 7,000 others in Israel hadn't bowed the knee yet.

So take courage. God's promises of multiplying His faithful ones will come to fruition, regardless of how hopeless it may appear now. Remember David at Ziklag, the rightful king of the city, run over roughshod by the Philistines. But he acted with wisdom, diplomacy, godliness and patience, waiting for God's timing and vindication. Read Psalm 73, and be comforted.