Everything looked bleak 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 captive. The men were so discouraged that they wept until they had no more energy.

And David, their leader, was “greatly distressed” because the people were contemplating stoning him (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 translations 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 the Lord when we’re feeling discouraged?

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

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

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

Author

Anne Cetas

Topics

Our Daily Bread