HOW TO STAY STRONG WHEN YOU ARE WEAK
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
The Amalekites had attacked David's settlement in his absence, burnt the city and taken their families captive. While they mourned their individual losses, the people turned around in grief and threatened to stone David. David was in a tight corner and greatly distressed by the looming tragedy. His three-pronged focus gives us a blueprint for finding strength in times of weakness:
- The inward focus: David first strengthened himself. Your first step in times of weakness is to stop exposing your mind to negativity and the sources of distress. Separate yourself for a private moment with God. Luke 21:19 says, "By your patience possess your souls." Settle your heart and refuse to fret.
- The upward focus: David found strength in the Lord his God. Ephesians 6:10 encourages us to "be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." That means speak God's word to yourself. The word of Christ must dwell in you richly for you to be able to meditate on it under pressure. Focus your heart and mind on the Lord and let His peace flood your heart.
- The outward focus: David stopped mourning and switched his focus to what to do going forward. Don't stay in the valley of weakness. Set your sights ahead. There will always be a temptation to regret, blame others or keep looking backwards. But like David, choose to pursue, overtake and recover what has been stolen from you.
Prayer: Father, I refuse to magnify my problems and choose to focus instead on Your word.
Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 30:1-8
