“David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 NLT
We’ve all had our days, right? Someone (most likely you or me) wakes up on the wrong side of the bed. You’re out of coffee, and you didn’t even know it before you went to prepare your favorite morning brew. Late to work, and insufficiently caffeinated you remember that you accidentally skipped breakfast, only to find that you also forgot a major project at work is due. And then, you have a much needed reality check after reading the Bible….something like the story out of 1 Samuel 30 and remember there’s also King David kind of bad days. He brings his men to fight against the enemies of his people only to find that he’s been cancelled. He heads back home only to discover that his family has been stolen. They weren’t wearing their air tags so they were super hard to track and find….pressure mounts as he’s led into battle from sunup until sun down only to finally find he needs recover his family AND the families of his friends as well. Somehow being late to work and not getting your morning coffee doesn’t seem like such a big deal, right?
While I doubt many of us are riding into battle today….there are things we are facing everyday that put pressure, challenges and stress on us. While I may not be picking up my bow & arrow, hopping on my high horse (in case you are, stay safe friend!) There is something invaluable that this passage reminds us to do: strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
What does it mean to strengthen ourselves in the Lord?
Finding our strength in the Lord can look a lot of different ways but I want to hone in on two specifics today and if you’re interested in more, you’re welcome to take a deeper dive. Some of the best ways I know to do this is to remind ourselves of who God is and what he has already done in our lives.
Who is God? He’s your Father, Creator and THE sustainer of the universe. He is provision, hope, healing, and all the good things There is no where we can run from him and everything that comes to pass is through is sovereign and loving hands. He is at work in infinite ways in our lives and is both universal, personal and pursues us daily with the love our parched-dry hearts are desperate to daily drink and receive of.
What has he done? I want you to take a moment and look back on your life. Remind yourself of the battles he has brought you through. Think about moments where God has met you. Paid an unexpected bill. Sent the right person, at the right time to encourage you. Gave you hope from his Word. Changed your circumstances or changed you….and reminded you that he is all good, powerful, loving and kind. He’s redeemed you from a life of sin and despair and bought eternity and a life-giving relationship with you- FOREVER. THIS. This is who God is and what he has done for you. And now, as you are facing whatever it is that lies before you; a challenging week at work, an impossible financial mountain, a miracle that your heart has been begging God for, take it with you. I want you to take a moment and remind yourself of what God has already done for you so that it will bolster you with strength and confidence, if he has done it before, he can do it again. Challenges and battles will always be before us. But the gauntlet has been laid that even now you can trust him and strengthen yourself in him. Even here, he is working on your behalf to do something because he loves you, is for you and is working in ways you can and cannot see to build his kingdom, and use your battles to lift you up to a victory that could only come by his hand. He can use anything and everything to glorify himself. May we be found strengthening ourselves by walking in the truth of who he is, and what he has done. May every battle cause us to remember and hope that he alone is our strength!
So much love,
Joy