Strengthened In The Lord

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 his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. 1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV

   David’s people were turning on him, threatening to stone him because their families were taken captive by the Amalekites. Blaming him for the tragedy because they were away, and not there to defend Ziklag. Their city was left in coals and rubble. Everyone was grieving, including David, so much that they didn’t even have any power left in them to weep.

   I can only imagine such a situation. We have seen the footage and pictures of the recent California fires. Houses and entire neighborhoods burnt to the ground. What a horrific scene. All they owned and possessed, gone. I’m sure if they could pinpoint the blame to one person there would be a lynch mob forming. David could have ran away from his problems, but instead he took full responsibility and made a decision that not only affected him, but his entire people. He “strengthened himself in the LORD his God”. Sought direction from God and followed His plan, and they recovered all.

   The KJV uses the word “encouraged” instead of strengthened. By definition, it’s not something we can acquire from an outside means, it’s something that comes from the inside, and then a decision is made to be courageous. Notice the text says that he was strengthened “in the Lord”, not by the Lord. David did strengthen himself in the Lord, but his strength came from the Lord that was already in Him. All that he knew of the Lord. His past experiences from God moving in his life. Everything he accumulated over the years he drew upon and made the decision, a courageous one, to be strengthened in Him.

   “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might”. Eph. 6:10. No matter what situation we may be facing, if we would draw upon the Lord, make the decision and take courage, we will be victorious!

Blessings!
Elder Steve Smith