David Strengthened Himself in the Lord

by Diana Kriesel

Monday, 4/25/11 – 1 Samuel 30,31; 1 Chronicles 10; Matthew 12 – “David Strengthened Himself in the Lord”

S– 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.”

O – David had been rejected by the king, rejected by the Israelites, and even rejected by their enemies. To make matters worse, when David’s men saw their burned city and missing families, they spoke of stoning him, but…”David strengthened himself in the Lord.”

A – David could have become indignant and start defending his place as their leader by reminding them that they owe him their lives. David could have run for his life. But instead,he “strengthened himself in the Lord.” David chose not to look to himself or others for his strength, but to the Lord his God. God gave David the strength to master his own distress, and to rise above all his rejection. After strengthening himself in the Lord, he was able to encourage his men and call them back to the purpose and vision for their lives. When David turned to his men in strength, they pulled themselves together, went after the Amalekites, and retrieved every person and possession that had been taken. It was David’s decision to strengthen himself and be faithful to his purpose instead of collapsing under pressure, not only saved his life but it also enabled him to lead his men to victory. David’s breakthrough lead to the breakthrough of all who followed him. This was one more step in God’s preparation process for David to become king.

P – Lord, teach us to look to You alone in our dark days. Teach us that our dark days are not designed to throw us down and out; they are designed to bring us to our knees so we will look to You alone. Teach us to strengthen ourselves in You.