Articles
Strength In The Lord
“Now 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 his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).
During his time as a fugitive David’s and his warriors returned to Ziklag. Out of desperation he sought protection from the Philistines (1 Samuel 27:1-7). Achish, the Philistine ruler, gave David Ziklag for a place to dwell. Ultimately, David’s alliance with the Philistines disintegrated because of growing suspicion. Being discharged from the Philistine army, David and his men returned to Ziklag.
However, upon his return instead of being welcomed by their wives and children they found the city destroyed. A raiding band of Amalekites had retaliated against David, invaded the city and taken the women and children hostage. The sorrow of David’s six-hundred soldiers soon turned to anger against their captain.
The innocent seem to receive the ranting and venting of anger by those in distress. Had not David led them into battle and left the women and children unprotected? Is he to blame? By now David is surely accustomed to such rejection – rejected by family, by Saul, and now by his army.
Have you ever experienced a similar response? Those who you thought you could trust fail you, discourage you or abandon you. Life can be full of disappointments – loss of family or property or threat of danger. When we become aware of our helpless state two possible choices are before us.
But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God (1 Samuel 30:6). True faith is best expressed in moments when life is reduced to ashes. David encouraged himself by directing his thoughts toward God, inquiring of the Lord, and obeying His will.
Through the Lord our strength is renewed and confidence inspired. The reason is obvious: only God is all-sufficient – a God of consolation and comfort.
