And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
How do you face the most difficult things in life? Maybe you have not experienced anything that was truly distressing. If that is the case, I can guarantee that at some point in your life, it will come. Many of you have faced things that you thought you could never survive already.
David was in this position on numerous occasions. His relationship with the Most High God did not prevent him from facing trials and discouragements. In fact, God promises us that in our walk on this earth, if we know Him, we will face these things. In order to make us more fruitful, pruning takes place. (John 15:1-2) Pruning by definition is not easy, and it really does hurt.
In this particular time in David’s life, he is running from Saul in an attempt to save his life. As he and his men are away from their homes fighting battles at other locations, the Amalekites raided, the town, burnt it to the ground, and took all the women and children into exile. Imagine coming home to find that mess? A man in David’s position, as a leader, not only suffers his own loss, but is saddled with the responsibility for all the women and children being taken and the town being destroyed. His own people wanted to stone him to death! Can you fathom the weight of the responsibility that he felt? No wonder he was greatly distressed.
What would you do if you had that burden? What do you do when you feel your own distress? The typical male wants to fix things and consequently goes immediately into action. That is not what David did. He knew there was only one way that he was going to get through this situation. He had to find strength in the Lord his God. He had to go to the source of strength. Most likely he was at the point where all he could do is cry out over and over and over, “God, help!”
David knew that God had appointed him as the next king. He trusted God that His word was true and that he would not be destroyed in that moment. He didn’t go on a campaign to defend himself. He went to God directly!!
Are you confident that God has your back? Do you trust Him that He can strengthen you in all the rough patches of life? Don’t be afraid to go to Him with your uncertainties. You are a child of the King and He wants you to come to Him and trust Him to be your hope and joy.