Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

“…but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” – 2 Samuel 30:6b (KJV)

Have you ever faced personal tragedy or a business loss that led you into great distress and even depression? Are you going through one right now? Where do you go when you feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life and business?

In 1 Samuel 30, David, who will soon become the second king of Israel, is faced with a personal tragedy that could lead to his personal army turning against him. He has just been rejected by the Philistines (1 Samuel 29) and as he returns to Ziklag where his family, the families of his personal army, and their entire provision was based, he discovers that the place has been burned and their family members, including his two wives, have been taken captive by the Amalekites. David is in great distress, not just because of the loss, but because his people want to take it out on him. Although angry and in great distress, David does not take the matter into his own hands but rather strengthens himself in the Lord.

To strengthen yourself in the Lord is to find strength in God’s word and His promises. There are times when everyone seems to turn against you and there seems to be no one or nowhere to turn to, but to the Lord. When everything seems to fall apart, find strength in the Lord. Allow His word and promises to revive your soul and spirit. Meditate upon His goodness, mercy, power, and faithfulness. What challenges are you facing today? Consider the following scriptures as you encourage yourself in the Lord today.

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills — from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.” – Psalm 121 (KJV)

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” – Psalm 23 (KJV)

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. my son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor detest His correction; For whom the LORD loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:5-12 (NKJV)

My prayer for you today is that you will cast all your cares upon the Lord and find strength in His word so you may continue to carry out the call that He has for you in the marketplace. Amen.