"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 Sam 30:6
Though a powerful fighter and commander, the as yet uncrowned David was a troubled and conflicted person. As is the case with many leaders, godly or otherwise, when things go wrong the blame lands squarely on the shoulders of the person in charge. David and his mighty men left their wives, children and possessions in what they thought was a safe place while they went off to fight. They returned to find that an enemy had raided their base, stolen their possessions and kidnapped their wives and children. David himself had two wives captured.
Beloved we all know what it is like to go through bad times. Any number of things can send us into despair. Suppose a critical and costly error is made on the job. Imagine an at fault car accident that causes someone to become badly hurt. Consider the occurrence of a situation that jeopardizes your ability to provide for your family. These and many other things can cause even the strongest person to fall apart. The loneliness in such a situation is profound. David, however, is an example of what to do in situations like these. We must remember who we are and whose we are. God has never failed us. All any of us has to do is look back across our lives to see that He has delivered us EVERY time. In fact, our ability to look back is proof in and of itself.
There may not always be a person or persons around to console and comfort us. There may not be those with whom you can consult in a time of trouble. It may be that everyone is not only looking to you to resolve a situation but they may very well array themselves against you for lack of a better target for their anger and pain. It is at times like these that we must encourage ourselves. It is at times like these that we must tap into the presence of God within us and remember. Having done that, as David did, we must take it to God and then move according to His will. Not only did David (and his people) ultimately prevail, they exceeded their previous position and possessions and had enough to share with the elders of Judah who were their friends.
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Lee
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