But David strengthened himself in the LORD

"Then 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." 1 Samuel 30:6

Then David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him - David was "between a rock and a hard place", so to speak. The reason for his great distress was this: David and his 600 soldiers, fleeing from Israel's king Saul, had defected to the king of Philistia. They had taken with them their wives and children, and were temporarily living in the city of Ziklag in Philistine territory. The Philistines were preparing to go to battle against the Israelites. David and his men were ready to fight alongside the Philistines, but the princes of the Philistine nation urged their king to send David back to his city and families. When David and his warriors arrived at Ziklag, they found the city burned and their wives and children taken captive by another invading army, the Amalekites. The Bible says the men "lifted up their voices and wept until they had no power to weep." No wonder David was in trouble; his own warriors wanted to put him to death, blaming him for the capture of their families and the loss of their possessions.

But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God - there was nowhere else to turn. David had not a friend in the world, and his life was in danger. And so, instead of panicking, He turned to the only Friend he had…the One who had been his support in life. There are several ways to strengthen yourself in the Lord: prayer is one way. Another is to recall the way God has lead you along the path of life in past years. Yet another way is to do something about the situation. I'm sure David did all three. The story has a happy ending…David rallied his soldiers, chased after the enemy and regained all they had lost. Great rejoicing followed.

Do you find yourself in a desperate situation today? Turn to the Lord and He will strengthen you, and show you a way out of the situation. When all earthly support is gone, don't forget the Heavenly support!