1 Samuel 30:6 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.
Upon returning from battle, David and his men found their city burning and their loved ones taken captive. They had lost everything. David was greatly distressed (great suffering) at the tragedy he just faced. And now he was also in great danger because the people were so grieved they wanted to stone him. Yet, he chose to strengthen himself in the LORD his God. David didn’t let the circumstances stop him from seeking his God and God gave him the strength he needed to continue. His men on the other hand allowed the circumstances to overcome them to the point that they blamed David and wanted to stone him.
This scripture ministered to me and inspired me to be my best encourager and not my worst enemy. Why? Because I spent a lot of time focusing on my difficult circumstances and putting blame on others or myself. This doesn’t go away, if we are not careful…focusing on our circumstances can lead to bitterness. We can break relationships just by choosing to focus on our circumstances instead of strengthening ourselves in the LORD our God…Becoming our worst enemy. Be very careful how you deal with difficult circumstances. Focusing on difficult times will spiral you down to a very dark place. The devil will have you where he wants you…To believe every lie he tells you. Before you know it he has you looking at your past and how bad you were. He has you thinking that you are not worthy, no value to anyone. Pride comes, addiction, worry, anxiety and depression start filling your life. I know I have been there. Soon you are condemning yourself and soon you feel defeated. Instead choose to focus on Jesus, He will help you through it all. He fills your mind with things from above. Let Him fill your life with peace, joy and love.
In 1 Samuel 30:4 it says that David and his men wept until they could weep no more. Have you ever done this? Cried until you couldn’t cry anymore…I have. It’s okay to cry your heart out. Just make sure you find strength in the LORD your God to continue. As mentioned above David’s men in their suffering chose to blame David. Have you ever blamed others even when it wasn’t their fault…I have? This is not good because we are depending on blaming others as strength to keep going when we must find our strength in God. Blaming others gets our eyes off of ourselves and our pain and suffering. Seeking God helps us to focus on Him to get through the trials.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
God is our strength in times of trouble. Be dependent on God to get you through the trials of your life. I want to encourage you to be your best encourager and not your worst enemy. Ask God for strength to get you through whatever it is that you are going through. Don’t stay focused on your circumstances you will become your worst enemy allowing the devil to take hold of your life….And he will. Encourage yourself to pray, read God’s Word, mediate on it, memorize scripture, do something for someone even if you don’t feel like it.
God will always bring His glory into your gloom…His light into your darkness…Because He loves you!
