"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IN GREAT FEAR AND SERIOUS TROUBLE"
1st Samuel 30:6 Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:
This incident is one of many that had been taking place in David's life. God had already chosen him to be the next king of Israel, but the current King, Saul, who had disobeyed God, and the kingdom was therefore taken from him, had become jealous, enraged, and had sought to kill David many times. David on the other hand, demonstrated an entirely different heart and character. He did not retaliate, he continuously looked to God for direction and protection, and received it. However, trials and difficulties kept coming his way, and this verse describes one of them. Now, David's own people were out to kill him, for a perceived evil he had done, ( which he had not ). David's response is found in the end of the verse.
1. God's people can find themselves greatly distressed.
1st Samuel 30:6a Now David was greatly distressed.
The word distressed here, means, to bind, to be cramped, be narrow, be in straits, besiege, to suffer distress.
And, the word "greatly" means just what you think it means. Literally, it is muchness, exceedingly, up to abundance, to a great degree. In other words, David was in very serious trouble.
It's not unusual for God's people to find themselves in serious trouble, especially if they are doing God's will.
Satan will come against the child of God, and unleash all the power he has against that person. A person can become like David, in very serious trouble. He was in danger of actually losing his life.
Jesus taught about this to His disciples. And, also in the Book of Revelation, to the Church of Smyrna, known as the suffering church, and often used a symbol of the suffering Christian.
John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
2. God's people themselves can turn against one another as was the case here.
1st Samuel 30:6b Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters.
David's distress was due to the fact that his own people wanted to execute him by stoning. They were so grieved at their own loss of family and possessions by the enemies of Israel, that they were blaming David for their misfortune and pain.
Often people will as you no doubt know, will "take it out" on their own family or friends, when they are suffering.
Imagine for a moment if you were the object of such grief, that your friends wanted to kill you. The fact is, that David was not responsible for what had happened. It happened through no fault of his. But, the people were so upset that they wanted to kill David.
The people could have chosen to act in another manner, but they did not. You and I can make choices as well when the pressure and pain of life is taking place. May our choices not be like these people. But like David as we see below.
3. God's people can do what David did, which is that "David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
1st Samuel 30:6c But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. Or David found strength in the the LORD his God. And, of course this is what you can do also. You can find that same strength in your Lord as well.
A few things about God's strength.
(1) Our God is strong.
Micah 5:4 And He shall stand and feed His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God; And they shall abide, For now He shall be great To the ends of the earth;
(2) We can access God's strength personally.
Psalm 71:16 I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.
(3) The Bible gives countless accounts of people doing this, and explicitly teaches us to do so.
1st Cor 16:13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
2nd Tim 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
4. David wound up finding strength in the Lord, and so can you.
1st Sam 30:6d "But David found strength in the LORD his God." NLT
We receive strength in the Lord by asking Him for it, and then believing He will give it to us, and by submitting to His will and His Word, and walking in the path that He shows us to walk in. God is your strength, and wants to give His strength to you, all you need to do is to ask Him for it.
Some questions:
1. Are you in some kind of serious trouble and distress at the moment?
2. Do you identify more with the people who wanted to kill David, or with David himself?
3. Has God helped you in the past in similar instances?
4. Do you believe God will help you now?
5. Will you take a moment to pause, bow your heart before God and ask Him to help you right this minute?
A prayer:
Father, thank you for these wonderful true stories in the Old Testament. You gave them to us, that we might gain patience and learning through the comfort of the Scriptures. And, indeed we do. Thank You.
Also Father, help us to be like David. We know that You never change, and Your power is always available to us.
You are so gracious and giving. You will give us the strength we need to meet the challenge of the day.
Thank You Father for Your care, and Your love. Give us Your power this very day, in Jesus name, amen.
Pastor Bob Grenier.
