I Samuel 30:6
“Also, David was in great distress 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.”
We've discussed how this tough circumstance may have happened as the result of David having attempted to join in the fight against Israel. God turned the hearts of the generals against the idea. David and his men came home to all of their families being taken captive. All were in deep distress. Especially David. This passage shows us an amazing discipline that David had, to strengthen himself in the Lord.
Several components are needed for a healthy faith: service, going to church, sharing one's faith and having quiet times with God when we read His Word and pray to Him. David is going to God and as a result he is strengthening himself in God.
Those not in Christ wouldn't understand this. The closest they would come to is to focus on positive thoughts and positive outcomes. While that's good, it's self effort. David is connecting with a God who loves and cares for Him. Part of it is like going to a friend for encouragement. Their attention, listening and affirmation goes miles to build one up.
The Lord knows us and can help us with His wisdom and power, but also to listen and encourage. "Jesus said to them, 'Come away with Me. Let us go to a quiet place and rest for a while.' Many people were coming and going. They could not even eat." (Mark 6:31). He's our creator; He knows what we need.
To be a strong, mature believer one must have a devotional life. That is a consistent time of bible reading and prayer. It should be daily if not close to it. Being in the Word allows us to intake what God has to say. It's more than reading. It's not like a novel in which we would read fast. One would read just a few verses or a chapter. This is a time when God speaks into our lives. Our spiritual senses are engaged for messages, comfort and challenges.
Lord, thank You for the example of David. He blesses us in many ways. Today's passage is just one of them. The way he strengthened himself in You. He speaks of it many times in the Psalms; "God, Thou art my God. Early will I seek Thee. My soul thirsteth for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee in a dry and weary land where there is no water", Psalm 63:1b. The entirety of Psalms is the written record of David and his time with God. It's his journal of that time.
David learned to practice this when he was the shepherd to the family flock. We need to find our nitch where we have alone time with Him. David often speaks of the early hours; many choose that time. There's little action and almost no one awake. Without distractions we can connect with Him. It's also a great way to start the day.
David demonstrates the passion and love for God we are to have. The earlier verse speaks of seeking God as we would water when thirsty. Once we are born again we do have an appetite for Him. Just as we need food and water, we now crave for God. Our times with Him are the feeding. It's like spending time with someone. The bible is His Word to us. He connects with our hearts and spirits.
Our time with the Lord is like partaking of food. John 4:32 says, "But answered them, 'I have food that you know not of." As David spent time with God, He was gaining nourishment. This was strengthening himself in the Lord.
Thank You Lord for the nourishing us as we come to You. Thank You for this time and thank You for You. You are our everything.