Commit to Memory: “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”  1 Samuel 30:6 KJV

There comes a time in everyone’s life, where he or she is distressed, frightened and worried about what the future holds. You may feel insecure of the future and how to handle it when it comes the way you never intended or planned. But in such moments, the Lord wants you to encourage yourself in Him and know that the He is ever with you and will never leave nor forsake you, so you can have peace and move forward with strength and courage, knowing that God is on your side,  hence the need to rest in Him. See what Solomon said in Proverbs 3:5-6

 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

In today’s commit to memory storyline; when David was dismissed by the Philistines army, he left going to the Israeli camp and being expelled by Saul, he decided alongside his men to retire to Ziklag- his own city. On getting there he found the city already burnt down, his wives, sons and daughters and that of his people have all been taken captive by the Amalakites. The Bible says David and his men wept profusely until they had no more strength to cry notwithstanding they were men of war. And this ugly situation made David distressed because of the horrible losses and in the midst of this, even his people spoke of stoning him as they saw David as the cause of their misfortunes. But it’s interesting that in the midst of all these David found strength and trust in his Maker- He encouraged himself in the Lord. He just refused to be let down and discouraged by his people. Little wonder God gave him victory and Recovery of the fatal losses. (1 Sam.30:1-8, 18-20).

Beloved, your strength increases when you weather the storms and resolve the conflicts surrounding you. May this capture your behavior in down times.

Reflection: You are great if you refuse to be disappointed by situations and men but small if you chose to be discouraged. The choice is yours.

Prayer Lines: Father, give me the grace and strength to be strong and courageous in the face of disappointments and discouragement.