Strengthen yourself in the Lord

Every day we're reading or listening to part of the Bible together and sharing thoughts with you. Today it’s Liz Nixon:

What did I like about today’s passage?

There’s not much to like from these passages! It’s a sad end to Saul’s reign as king, culminating in him finding a witch to summon Samuel back from the dead and then Saul’s death, along with his sons.

In chapter 30, we see another consequence of the disobedience of Saul’s failure to destroy the Amalekites. David and his men return home to find that the Amalekites have kidnapped their wives, sons, and daughters. The men weep in their distress, so much weeping that they had no strength left in them. David’s wives had also been taking and in their bitterness, his men talked of stoning him. It’s a difficult and upsetting time for David.

Verse 6 says “But David found strength in the Lord”. This is a gem of a verse hidden within some dark moments for the future King. Bill Johnson’s book “Strengthen yourself in the Lord” is based on this verse and teaches us how we can strengthen our faith in challenging times, including tools like remembering what God has done in our lives and holding onto His promises – it’s worth a read and certainly strengthens your faith! We don’t know much about what David did – but we know he sought the Lord and was strengthened by Him at a tough time.

What did it show me about Father God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit?

God looks at the heart of man and delights in those who go to and depend on Him. God did not answer Saul immediately and so he asks a witch to bring Samuel back as a ghost! This was not a good idea and just affirms that his heart was not inclined towards God.

David makes many mistakes in his life, but his heart is always inclined towards God. In 2 Samuel, we see David make some big mistakes (*spoiler alert* – adultery, murder of one of his best fighting men, poor parenting, taking too many wives, continual thirst for blood etc.!), but as we see in this passage, he turns to God in his darkest moments. This pleases God and God always responds to a soft heart towards Him. David found strength in God because God responded to David’s heart.

God loves us, no matter what we do. Whilst he hates our sin and our wilful disobedience, if we turn our hearts back to Him, if we decide like the prodigal son that life is better at home with our Father, then He will welcome us back with open arms. That’s the God we follow!

Once back in His home, He will clean us up and “sort us out” as my husband says, but first He runs to meet us, showers us with His affection and love, and restores us to being His son or daughter.

What am I going to do differently as a result?

Turn quicker to Him and be strengthened by Him.

Who am I going to share this with?

My husband Greg.