-April 21, 2023-
Good morning, happy Friday,
“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 daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
(1 Samuel 30:6).
David faced one of the worst days of his life. While he and all his men were out of the city of Ziklag where they were living, the Amalekites raided the city and took all their wives and children captive. When David and his men returned, their loved ones were gone. David and all his men wept until they couldn’t cry anymore.
Soon the men’s sorrow gave way to anger. They blamed David and even spoke of stoning him. What did David do? Did blame someone else? Did he defend himself? No, to all. Instead of he strengthened himself in God. He knew that the only way was to seek the strength and guidance of the Lord. It is not if we are going to fall, but when we do, we must get up. The world calls it poise under pressure; God calls trust in Him. It takes more than positive thinking, it takes earnest, fervent prayer. When we are weak in ourselves, the Lord gives us His strength.
David also sought the Lord’s guidance on what to do. He asked whether they should pursue the Amalekites, and God directed him to pursue them. He promised that they would recover all. That is exactly what happened. Not only that but they recovered many spoils. God turned their sorrow into joy.
Let us not be distressed or discouraged. May we strengthen ourselves in God. Have a blessed day and weekend. Stay safe and healthy.
Strength from above helps us here below,
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 