“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.” 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV

“But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”

 I can think of no better encouragement than the encouragement that comes directly from the lord. Many of faith’s giants experienced depression, discipline, accusations, fear, and seemingly utter defeat, sinking in utter darkness, but when they remembered to go to the Lord, He gave them His Word, His Love, and assurance, and they made it through.

In this account in scripture (1 Samuel 30:6), David had met another challenge, one that almost was his undoing. He was fleeing from King Saul who wanted  to kill him.

 David and his army sought refuge among their enemies, the Philistines, but they rejected him in going to battle with them. Upon returning to the town of Ziklag in the Negev or desert, where their families were kept, they found it burned and desolated and their wives, sons, and daughters were captured.  They wept and were without comfort, for they had lost everything. His men were so upset they blamed David and spoke of stoning him.

So, how was it David turned to the Lord, instead of seeking someone’s sympathy?  Could it have been, God made it impossible, for there to be no greater refuge, than His own?

God does not despise a contrite spirit and one who comes to Him for help, no matter the circumstance in true humility, they will find comfort. His love is meant to “transform” which requires at times both discipline and grace. His purpose is not to give his spiritual children sunshine and roses but a place to learn His ways.

There have been times in my life while receiving the Lord’s discipline or during a trial of testing, I would encounter the accusations of the devil upon myself and God. God’s purpose was to build my character and increase my faith, while the enemy was to harden it against God. But God has proven His love to me again and again, and so, I know to go to Him, first.

The One forming light and creating darkness, Causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the LORD who does all these.” Isaiah 45:7 NAS

He has never failed to encourage me with His Word and His Love. and He always keeps His promises in spite of my many failings.  His only requirement for me is to speak of and recall His faithfulness and to know He is Good.  Yes, as for my testimony, He is always Good.

I dare not speculate concerning anyone’s circumstance whether good or bad and their relationship with God. I can only give an account of my own. What sometimes appears on the surface is not always a true reflection of what is really going on. It is a matter of a person’s heart and their faith or lack of faith in God. (Romans 2: 1-11)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

After David received God’s encouragement, He sought His counsel. He asked him whether he would be successful in overtaking the ones who had destroyed the town and kidnapped their families. God answered Him and assured him to go, and so he rallied his army knowing God would go with him.  God was faithful to restore their families and they even were able to take back with them the spoils.

I think of the time of Peter who denied our Savior three times, and Satan asked to sift him, to expose his weaknesses, but the Lord said He would be praying and on that glorious morning, as Jesus shared the fish and bread, He was restored, and became a rock of strength to many others as they witnessed God’s, unconditional love.  (John 21)

Perhaps, you are facing discouragement and have nowhere else to turn. Remember, God’s mercy and grace and His covenant through His Son, Jesus Christ. We have the promise of His salvation, as we call upon God in repentance, believing in the death and resurrection of His Son,  and we have His promise of comfort, and restoration, no matter our circumstance, no matter our sin. (Ephesians 1: 13-14)

“I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25

Resources:

Bible Hub: biblehub.com

Definition of “Encourage”

David Encouraging Himself in God

Note: I revised this article on 8/7/23 after seeing I made a mistake in stating this story took place during the time of Absalom’s rebellion instead of during the time David was fleeing from Saul. I hope anyone who read this article,  previously has been informed of this scriptural error.  I sincerely apologize. DF  ( 1 Samuel 26:1-25)