Moment With The Master
“Strength in the Lord”
Categories: Moment With The Master"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)
It was during David’s time as a fugitive that he and his warriors returned to Ziklag. In desperation David had sought protection from the Philistines. (I 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.
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.
Is it not often the case with those in distress to seek relief by venting their anger upon the innocent? 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.
Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience. Those who we thought we could trust fail us, discourage us, or abandon us. 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 it seems like 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.
By George Slover
