Inner Strength When In Distress

Scripture

"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).

Observation

I don't believe I could ever fathom the depths of despair, or the degree of distress that consumed David's soul at this moment in time. He never anticipated such a loss - to his home, his family, to his friends and teammates. Every ounce of emotion was drained the moment he laid eyes on the destructive force administered by the Amalekites raid. And it wasn't his fault, yet it seemed that around every turn, circumstances awaited that stood against him. Yet, David "strengthened himself in the Lord."

This has to be one of the most powerful scriptures in the Bible. Notwithstanding his sufferings and having his soul stripped by the hands of defeat, David was still able to rise from the ashes and grasp onto the hands of victory. Therein lies one of the greatest attributes of David's leadership - the ability to strengthen himself, despite adversity; to rise above the rubble and redeem hardships in exchange for victories.

Application

Sometimes our most difficult challenges will arise out of circumstances that are beyond our control. We may find ourselves haunted by the consequences of another's mistakes. For example, the Amalekites should have been defeated by Saul (see 1 Sam. 15), but instead, it was David who had to face the music of Saul's disobedience. He did nothing to deserve the criticism and the arrows of his own follower's friendly fire. Yet, David "strengthened himself in the Lord." No wonder he was known as a man after God's own heart.

While we may not have a choice as to the direction the ill winds may blow, we do have a choice as to how we will react and respond when it arrives. Sometimes life doesn't seem fair and we will all have to face moments when we are caught off-guard, when we find ourselves thrown into unexpected circumstances, where we may suffer due to causes beyond our control. And when we do, we will all face the ultimate question -

• Do we play the victim, or do we strengthen ourselves, as did David and turn what was meant to defeat us, into a great moment in victory.

I would choose the latter. But it doesn't come without training. Being able to maintain any semblance of reasonableness, despite the adversities that may surround me, requires a large dosage of inner strength. And it's developed over time. It's discovered in how I react to the little, unexpected moments that train me how to respond to life's major catastrophes, for it's in the little victories that I gain over time that will strengthen my inner spirit and prepare me best for the major events.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for this constant reminder of David and his leadership attributes. Indeed he was a man after God's own heart, but he kept his heart clean and fully devoted to the You, even in the face of adversity. May my heart and my spirit be trained to do the same.