Moving Deeper in the Things of God - Part II
by Dr. John Tetsola

Last month we learned that retreat is far too often the default position that many believers assume when facing certain levels of setback and defeat. You may have experienced some unexpected setbacks in 2010, but keep your eyes on the prize. There’s a new dimension of relationship with God on the horizon that can only be grasped by moving deeper in the things of God.

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 AMP

Although David was bitterly grieved amidst the Ziklag setback and his men spoke of stoning him, David mustered up the strength to encourage himself in the Lord. There are some circumstances that only a one-on-one encounter with God can change, and during those times you will have to regain control of your mind and emotions by moving deeper in the things of God. David did not belong to a tape of the month club. He didn’t have CDs, DVDs, or a MP3 to listen to. All he had was his encounters with the Lord, and these encounters enabled him to conquer the emotions that held him captive. As we enter the New Year, develop a new and living faith that bears up under all obstacles and says, “I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed…” (Phil. 1:20, NLT). David’s living faith enabled him to strengthen himself in God, which invigorated him for the task of recovery that was ahead. It is often hard to desire to study the Word of God, to pray, or to even go to church when you’ve experienced certain setbacks. Be purposeful and willing to move deeper in God by faith, even when you don’t feel like it.

REDIRECT YOUR FOCUS

David said to Abiathar the priest…bring me the ephod. And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them? The Lord answered him, Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.
1 Samuel 30:7-8 AMP

A great part of your deliverance comes from what you focus on, so move your focus from what is happening to you, to recovering all. David’s focus had to be shifted from the problem, to the recovery of what was stolen. As long as your focus remains on the pain of the circumstance, you will never recover from the problem. Depressed people always look down, so redirect your focus, look up, and move deeper in the things of God. Start thinking about God and His ability to deliver you because the promises of God reside in your future, and the pain of your circumstance will never get you there. Moving deeper in God enables you to be driven by a faith that is not consumed by any obstacle. It also causes you to look beyond yourself to the solution and helps to maintain the pursuit of your purpose. In this New Year and season, take your mind off of the problem and move deeper in God, because your future can only be grasped from the strength of a God encounter.