“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him;
each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters.
But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
– 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV)
Daily Meditation: 1 Samuel 30, Exodus 15:2
To say that David “was greatly distressed” would be putting it mildly. These men, his friends and fellow soldiers, had lost everything: their wives, their children, and their homes. Now they wanted someone to blame. I don’t know about you, but I have never met anyone who can personally relate to the threat of being stoned. But you may have had friends turn on you. You may have been blamed for tragedies that occurred because you weren’t there to stop them. You may have felt guilt, sorrow, or pain when surrounded by people you care about who are bitter and angry.
Yet in the midst of all his darkness and grief, notice what David did. He “found strength in the Lord his God,” which, based on what we know about David, most likely meant that he was on his knees crying out to God. When everyone turned against him, he turned to the One who would never leave him nor forsake him. And in those moments, God gave him the answer he needed.
When you feel helpless and friendless, turn your face toward God! Pray without ceasing. Devote yourself to praising God even in the midst of hardship. Lock yourself in your room, car, or closet so you can turn your whole heart to God. Get lost in him and strengthen yourself in the Lord. That’s when his strength will become yours.
“Stress makes you believe that everything has to happen right now.
Faith reassures you that everything will happen in God’s timing.”
– Author Unknown
Be fearless: Stepping back and taking time away from a difficult situation is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength. God’s power is at work in us even when everyone turns against us. We tap into his strength when we stop to praise him. Strengthen yourself in the Lord today and every day.
Let’s let 2019 be the year we grow closer to the Lord and become the fearless, strong, and faithful woman we are meant to be in Him! In Be Fearless, Julie Clinton provides a scripturally-sound guide for finding freedom, purpose, joy… and fearlessness. Be Fearless is now available in our store! https://www.aacc.net/product/be-fearless/ Consider working through Be Fearless with another extraordinary woman or group this year.
Julie Clinton, MAd, MBA, is president of Extraordinary Women and host of EWomen conferences all across America. She is the author of several books including A Woman’s Path to Emotional Freedom, 10 Things You Aren’t Telling Him, and Extraordinary Women. She is passionate about seeing women live out their dreams by finding their freedom in Christ. Julie and her husband, Tim, live in Virginia with their children, Megan and Zach.