The Overflow of Gratitude | 1 Samuel 30:25-31

ANNOUNCEMENT:
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.

Are you hoarding a blessing or being generous with it?

David and his men enjoy a massive victory against the Amalekites. There is a minor disagreement when they return, and then when they return to Ziklag, David does this in 1 Samuel 30:26-31.

When David came to Ziklag, he sent part of the spoil to his friends, the elders of Judah, saying, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of the Lord.” It was for those in Bethel, in Ramoth of the Negeb, in Jattir, in Aroer, in Siphmoth, in Eshtemoa, in Racal, in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, in the cities of the Kenites, in Hormah, in Bor-ashan, in Athach, in Hebron, for all the places where David and his men had roamed. — 1 Samuel 30:26-31

David had just experienced a sensational victory, reclaiming what the Amalekites had stolen. After such an intense battle, it would have been easy for David to bask in the glory and hoard the spoils. Instead, David does something that reveals something remarkable about his character and leadership.

When he returned to Ziklag, David took a portion of the plunder and presented it to the elders and others who had supported him over many years. These weren’t random gifts but deliberate acts of generosity toward those who had previously offered David and his men shelter, security, and safety. His message was clear: "Here is the Lord's provision."

David's actions illustrate two vital principles of provision:

Principle One | Recognize God's Provision
David understood that the victory belonged to the Lord. By referring to the spoil as “from the enemies of the Lord,” he acknowledged that it wasn’t merely his success but God’s deliverance. When we achieve a victory or blessing, it’s important to remember that every good thing comes from God (James 1:17).

Principle Two | Be Generous With God's Provision
David’s generosity wasn’t about repayment but about recognizing relationships. He remembered those who had been faithful during his wandering years and used his blessing to strengthen those relationships. Our generosity reflects a heart of gratitude and humility, reminding us that we are stewards, not owners, of God’s blessings.

We’re often tempted to hoard our wins, whether financial, professional, or personal. But David’s example challenges us to ask, “Who can I generously bless, when the time is right, with what God has given me?” You see, generosity isn’t just about giving—it’s about sharing God’s glory and building his kingdom through his resources, that we have the honor of stewarding for a period of time.

#Generosity #Stewardship #Gratitude

Ask This:
Who has supported you in your wilderness seasons?
How can you extend generosity as a reflection of your gratitude to God and encouragement to others?
Do This:
Be generous.

Pray This:
Lord, thank You for the blessings and victories You provide. Help me to remember that everything I have is Yours. Teach me to be generous and to use what You’ve given me to strengthen and bless others for Your glory. Amen.

Play This:
Generous Giver.