Strength Found In God

Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

 

1 Samuel 30:6

 

 

 

We may never ever grasp the depths of despair, or the level of distress that consumed David's spirit at this moment in time. But we can be certain that every ounce of emotion was drained the moment he laid eyes on the destructive force administered by the Amalekites raid. And it wasn't his fault, yet it seemed that around every turn, circumstances awaited that stood against him.

Notwithstanding his sufferings and having his spirit stripped by the hands of defeat, David was still able to rise from the ruins and grasp onto the reign of victory. Therein lies one of the greatest attributes of David's leadership—the ability to strengthen himself in God—despite adversity and to rise above the wreckage and redeem hardships in exchange for victories.

 

Some our most difficult challenges will occur out of circumstances that are beyond our control.

 

While we may not have a choice as to the direction the ill winds may blow, we do have a choice as to how we will react and respond when it arrives. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair and we will all have to face moments when we are caught off-guard, when we find ourselves thrown into unexpected circumstances, where we may suffer due to causes beyond our control. And when we do, we will all face the ultimate question:

 

Do we play the victim, or do we strengthen ourselves, and turn what was meant to defeat us, into a great moment in victory.

 

Choosing to not be defeated and strengthen doesn't come without training. Being able to maintain any appearance of reasonableness, despite the adversities that may surround us, requires a large dosage of inner strength, which is developed over time. It is the little, unexpected moments that train us how to respond to those uncertain moments in life, in order to gain victories. As we allow God to strengthen us, our inner spirit is prepared to more fully rest in Him as David did.