1 Samuel 30

“David and his troops with him wept loudly until they had no strength left to weep. David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelite and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had also been kidnapped. David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30: 4-6 (HCSB)

David was under severe pressure, to be sure! In addition to personal sorrow over the loss of his family, he faces the rebellion of his men. Nobody knows how far the vote to stone David went, but things were at a critical point. At this point, we are met with an important statement, “But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

It begs the question: What does it mean to strengthen yourself in the Lord? If you haven’t yet needed to, stick around because everyone goes through seasons where they have no alternative but to strengthen themselves in Him!

Let’s begin by saying what it is NOT. Strengthening oneself in the Lord is not some kind of “gospel magic.” It is not a quick fix. It is not recognizing that the pressure is on and deciding to seek help in religion. It is not superficial or superstitious, venting or letting things go emotionally. It is not expressing anger or assigning blame; David’s soldiers did that. But David found strength elsewhere.

So, where did the strengthening begin? It started with David’s personal relationship with God. Notice Scripture says David found “strength in the Lord HIS God.” So we must consider what a personal relationship really is. Israel had a tendency to rely on a “National” faith instead of a vital “Personal” one. In short, David remembered the promises and affirmations of God’s Word. He recalled how God had guided him thus far.

Another way David strengthened himself in the Lord was by utilizing the means of access to the Lord that were available to him.

“David said to Abiathar the priest, son of Ahimelech, ‘Bring me the ephod.’ So Abiathar brought it to him, and David asked the Lord: ‘Should I pursue these raiders? Will I overtake them?’ The Lord replied to him, ‘Pursue them, for you will certainly overtake them and rescue the people.’” 1 Samuel 30:7-8 (HCSB)

Believers today have access to God through a better priest than Abiathar! Jesus Himself and the Holy Spirit are our advocates through personal prayer and Divine intercession. Along with prayer, we develop our personal relationships with God by studying the Bible. Spending time with God’s Word develops our knowledge of His character. It marks the difference between an ONGOING personal relationship versus a series of MOMENTARY urgent appeals, which signals you are not interested in a relationship, just its benefits. Are you hard-pressed? Find strength by remembering how your personal relationship is growing with Him through daily Bible study and prayer!