There are times when life can start off in such a place of brokenness that we wonder whether there is really ‘a Balm in Gilead’ (Jeremiah 8:22). This is perhaps how David felt in 1 Samuel 30, after he and his men returned from battle to find their home in Ziklag invaded and burnt with fire. Furthermore, the enemy had taken captive their wives, mothers, women and children. In verse four, we read that David and the men with him, lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. Then David’s own men threatened to stone him to death.

Such treatment by people was not new for David, he had spent most of his young life dealing with rejection and brokenness on all levels. David was hoping that in Ziklag, he can finally find some form of ‘family-hood’, security, and acceptance. Ziklag was his safe place, his place of refuge, his sanctuary. Yet, the enemy somehow was able to break in: How? To answer this question, we would need to go back to the beginning. David’s link with brokenness and rejection did not just begin in Ziklag, it relentlessly followed him all his life. The Amalekites breaking in and shattering his home was just a reminder of this ‘unholy bond’; this ‘miserable covenant’ he had with these spirits.

We all have our own personal ‘Ziklag’: our place of refuge and the enemy is intent on breaking into it. You may say that he has no access, and this should be true. But if the spirit of rejection has an accomplice, a conspirator, a collaborator living inside your personal ‘Ziklag’, these spirits will always work together to violate your sanctuary. So, whilst we are trying to sort out the mess outside, there is a ‘mole’ on the inside frustrating your spiritual progress.

So, this seed of ‘brokenness and rejection’ in David’s life did not just happen suddenly; the ‘mole’ was already hiding within the family lineage. This is how this spirit continues from generation to generation, by reproducing its fruits in our children. Most of us know this, and we want complete freedom, we just don’t know how or where to begin. Many people start their healing process with warfare. It’s not a wrong way to begin, but there is a better approach: It’s called Psalms 91. In this Psalm David recognises that ‘Dwelling in the Secret Place’ was much safer than Ziklag. David also identified ‘The shadow of the Almighty’ as more trustworthy than mother, father, brothers and all his mighty men. So, the best way to start… is to start with God.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
– Father, I am coming home… Back to that ‘secret place’; back under the ‘shadow of the Almighty’.
– Ziklag has failed me. This fortressed, fortified city was not able to keep the ‘beasts’ out. Only under Your wings is there safety.
– You alone are my ‘Refuge’ and my ‘Fortress’, I will trust You alone.
– You alone will deliver me from every accomplice, every conspirator, and every collaborator.
– Today, every ‘mole’ will be evicted. Every infiltrator, every ‘under-cover’ agent, every secret-agent, every spy, every monitoring spirit: Your time is up. The Lord serves you notice. Now, pack your bags and get out. In Jesus’ Name.