Encouragement in the Lord

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from 1Samuel 28-31 and 1Chronicles 12:19-22

In the conclusion of 1Samuel, we read of the tragic deaths of Saul and his sons, including David's bosom buddy, Jonathan.

Saul was one who had all the bells and whistles of a star-studded high flyer, yet his career ended in such a sorry state of affairs, having even to take his own life in the battlefield and mocked after death by enemies.

In contrast, David was one who had the least promising start, yet shone and continued shining, even as he too faced multiple challenges and temptations.

In Chapter 30, we read of how the families and possessions of his men, including his own, were taken by the Amalekites. In spite of his great distress, David found strength in the Lord and ultimately took back what they lost.

In v. 6 we read - "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."

David's distress was at least 2 fold - he felt the inner loss and turmoil because of his own family. Then there was pressure from his people, who were almost ready to stone him! How did he overcome the great stress from the dire situation?

1) Prayer
Obviously, in present day, God does not speak to his people directly. Wisdom from above comes to us via the Word of God (c.f. Col 3:16; 1Co 13:8-10)
What it does mean for us, patterned in David's actions is for us to draw near to God via prayer. Remember our memory verse for last week?  "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:16)
And in David's situation, it was obviously an urgent time of dire need!
Far too often, we get ourselves all flustered and anxious, thinking furiously at best, moping and whining more likely and at worst, seize up and chose secular wisdom to find solutions to our problems.
Again, the bible tells us "In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Phi 4:6 ASV)
What can we achieve by worrying? Truly, as our Great Master, Lord Jesus Christ said,  "And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?" (Mat 6:27) Time is much better spent conversing with our Father in heaven, to find comfort and to make our petitions known. And that is what David had done.

2) Immediate action
David does not just sit there and mope all day! After seeking advice from the Lord, he springs into immediate action with all haste.
Sometimes, it may not be an action related to the issue, but the idea here is, get a (godly) grip, get on your feet, and MOVE ON! There's nothing worse than wallowing in one's sins and sorrows, which will ultimately lead one into further temptation and in worst cases, point of no return. Getting busy in the right manner not only lifts us off discouragement but as a matter of fact is what we should do anyway!
It also means surrounding ourselves with the right people, encouraging people. People who can help us in all wisdom. David took 600 men, yet had to leave 200 behind who no longer had the will. To have 400 committed individuals was much more important than any other fainted-hearted number! We recall the account of Gideon and his valiant 300 (Jdg 7). A puny number compared to the enemy, yet proved to be far superior than anything else.

Let us all find encouragement in the Lord in times of distress, by drawing near to Him and to His people and be ever more zealous to do His good will.

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6,7