“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6
The Backdrop to Today’s Story: The Philistines were gathering to Aphek for an offensive against Israel. David and his men had taken up lodging in the city of Ziklag, which was under the Rule of Achish, King of Gath, who was a Philistine. They had impressed him with their exploits and he invited them to join them with their battle against Israel. But we’re told that “the commanders of the Philistines were angry…and… said to him, make the man go back”, which he did.
After being rejected by the Philistine commanders, David and his men return to Ziklag and find it burned and pillaged. ALL that they had; Wives, Children, Possessions…Was Gone! We’re told that “David and the people who were with him lifted their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep.” Then…,the people spoke of stoning David in their grief and anger. So what did David do? Did he dig down deep inside and find his inner strength and resolve? Did he lash back “Hey you guys, I lost my wife and kids too!!!? No! We’re told he “strengthened himself in the Lord his God”!
As we saw yesterday, not Everything David did was pleasing to God; but this surely was! We aren’t told what exactly he did, or what this means, but I’m sure it included Broken and Humble Pleadings before God with a Resolute Trust in His Almighty and Sovereign Power. And, he DID NOT trust in himself! May David be a lesson to all of us that our strength is not in ourselves, but in God. It will prepare us for the Hard Times!!!