Difficult times are inevitable. Where do you turn when you’re facing an overwhelming situation? In the Old Testament, David provides a helpful example to help you as you face a difficult situation.

David and his men were on the run from King Saul and they had made their headquarters in Ziklag. Ziklag was a remote area in the desert in southern Israel. While David and his men were gone, the Amalekites made a raid on Ziklag and took their wives and their children captive.

When David and his men returned to Ziklag, they discovered that their families had been taken. This was a desperate situation. David’s men were so angry and embittered that they spoke of stoning David,

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)

David was already on the run from King Saul and now his own people spoke of stoning him! This was a desperate situation. Where do you turn when you’re at your lowest point? We see that David strengthened himself in the Lord. The word translated “strengthen” conveys the idea to fasten securely and, by implication, to make stronger. This Hebrew word is frequently translated to repair. David may have thought of this specific situation when he used the same Hebrew word for “strong” as he reflected upon God’s faithfulness when he wrote these Psalms,

Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:14)

Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24)

So how do we strengthen ourselves in the Lord? It starts with knowing God and trusting in His faithfulness. We come to know God as we read and reflect upon His word. Where are you currently reading in God’s word? What is He teaching you through His word? The written word of God reveals the living word of God.

David’s heart for God led him to call out to God in times of trouble. What is your response in times of trouble? Is God your first response or your last resort? Be encouraged that the people who know their God will be strong and do great exploits!

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5