According to Google, there are currently 120 active wars and conflicts in the world. This is three times the number from the year 2000.
The ancient Israelites, much like those in Israel today, were familiar with conflict. During the reigns of Saul and David, they faced one battle after another.
The Amalekites, much like the Philistines, were frequent foes of the Israelites. In David’s time, they attacked Ziklag, set it on fire, and seized everything they desired, including the children and wives of David and his men.
David and his men were heartbroken over what had happened. David was even in danger of being stoned by the people. Amid this tragic situation, David found a source of strength.
But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6).
How to Stay Strong in the Lord
When I think about staying strong in the Lord, I recall a crisis I faced in the ministry. I couldn’t sleep for a couple of days because of the turmoil in the church I served.
One sleepless night, I began with the first Psalm and turned each one into my personal prayer. My own thoughts were too jumbled to pray clearly, but as I read, the Holy Spirit highlighted a phrase from one of the Psalms.
This gave me insight on how to handle the problem and helped me find rest in the Lord. That experience taught me how to be strong in Him.
Take a moment to think about a time when you found God’s strength. How did you do it? What helps you stay strong in the Lord?
Finding God during a crisis is important, and it’s great that He’s always there for us. But I suggest we don’t wait for a crisis to pray.
It’s best to have daily moments with God, talking to Him in our prayers and listening to Him through His Word.
When trouble comes, and it will, God won’t feel like a distant friend. Instead, He’ll be a close friend we can rely on. In those moments, He will give us strength.
Divine Direction
If you read this story like a novel, you’ll discover that David rescued the people, brought them back, and even gathered some spoil from the Amalekites. If you go through the story slowly, something might stand out to you with a personal message for your life.
For me, it was when David took the time to ask God how he should handle the situation.
David said to the priest Abiathar son of Ahimelech, “Bring me the ephod.” So Abiathar brought the ephod to David.
David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?” He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake and shall surely rescue” (1 Samuel 30:7-8).
The priest had the job of understanding God’s direction. The king’s job was to follow that direction once it was clear.
This passage shows that we can learn God’s will, especially if we are ready to obey it. David used a method involving the ephod, which included Urim and Thummim. These were cast like dice after prayer to discern God’s will.
Today, we have more advanced ways of hearing from God. We usually rely on prayer, reading the Bible, or getting advice from friends. Sometimes, God speaks through dreams or other means. No matter how, God will guide us and give us direction.
In one of our videos, Bruce Kirby highlighted the contrast between David and Saul. Saul sought out a medium to confirm what he already wanted to hear.
On the other hand, David, even in a crisis, was open to hearing God’s message so he could respond obediently.
This raises an important question for us: where do we get our information, and why do we seek to know God’s will for our lives?
Let’s strive to be like King David, who wanted to know God’s will so he could follow it.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 