STRENGTHENED IN GOD

1 Samuel 30:1-6
David found strength in the Lord his God (v.6).

It looked bad to David and his men when they arrived at Ziklag (1 Sam. 30:1-6). The Amalekites had attacked the city and taken their wives and children as hostages. The men were so overwhelmed that they cried until they had no more energy. And David, their leader, was “greatly distressed” because the people were blaming him and planning to stone him to death (v.6). 

In the end, David’s army rescued their families and defeated the Amalekites. But the story takes a great turn even before that, when “David found strength in the Lord his God” (v.6). Other Bible versions use the words “encouraged” or “refreshed”. 

The text doesn’t say exactly how David did this. But it makes me wonder, In what ways can we strengthen, encourage or refresh ourselves in God when things are just too much for us? 

First, we can remember what God has done. We can list the ways He has cared for us in the past, and how He has given us what we need or answered a prayer request. 

Second, we can remember what God has promised. “Be strong and courageous . . . for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Jos. 1:9). 

Like David, let’s learn to strengthen ourselves in God, and then let’s leave the rest with Him. 

 

What I’m thankful for . . . 

Thank You, Father, that You are my strength. Help me to strengthen myself in You when things are hard, rather than just trying to fix problems myself. 

 

OUR GREATEST STRENGTH IS OFTEN SHOWN IN OUR ABILITY TO STAND STILL AND TRUST GOD.