https://youtu.be/fow2JjFZHfU
2 sam 30:6 Now 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.
Distress is going to comeWhat led up to this calling out of David for God to strengthen him?He had been through the proverbial ringer- lets read 1 sam 30Amalakites had invaded, burned the city with fire, taken captive the women and others, then they were emotionally overwhelmed by the whole thing- “wept until they had no more power to weep”Lets recall a little about this guy David- this is the one who slayed the Goliath. He’s also the one who had won against the philistines, AND the Geshurites, the Girzites, and the Amalekites. Earlier- but NOW the Amalekites come BACK and wreck havoc on Ziklag and David- This doesn’t even include that Saul had been pursuing David this whole timeWhat can we get from this quick synopsis- you can slay goliath, you can win battles, but even in the midst of it- There can still be constant attacks, and you don’t always winAnd when you don’t always win- you ‘weep until you have no power to weep”Does any of that resonate with your life? Sure- may not be physical attacks and wars- but life sure does have its challenges doesn’t it?Job 14:1 “Man who is born of woman Is of few days and full of trouble.That’s pretty much life isn’t it? You’re born, and then there’s trouble. Life is just work- and if you haven’t embraced it, you can get frustrated with the struggles of life.Trouble in school, growing up, parents, dating, jobs, cars, houses, politics, pandemicsIts really enough to “weep until you have no power to weep” abuse, trauma, sicknessAnd as a person that serves God- you wonder sometimes- whats the deal? Where’s that perfect life? Honestly- its enough to get some people to stop serving God-Ecc. My favorite book- so much wisdom- here’s a gem-Ecclesiastes 9:11 I returned and saw under the sun that— The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all.Swift people lose, strong lose, wise don’t prosper, those of us that have a brain don’t get the money, the skilled people don’t have an advantage- everyone else wins but METhe operative phrase- “time and chance happen to them all”There’s just an element of chance to some of this- stuff just happens. Cant control everythingWhat does it mean to you-Embrace that your life isn’t perfect and never will be- especially if you’re a Christian1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, 2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, Acts 5:41 rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,I’m not saying to live with an expectation of destruction and despair in your life but I think that part of what sets people off is an expectation of a perfect life with no issues- life is issues! 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;Embrace the reality of an imperfect life- David’s life wasn’t perfect, neither will yours beMy life hasn’t been perfect and still isn’t without its challenges- its just the way it is.
Strengthened himselfSo David is distressed, he’s overwhelmed, he’s had everything that he ever loved taken from him- wives, kids, land, influence, strength.There’s really no where for him to turn at this point- probably a great time to give upI say if you don’t ever think about giving up you’re not really in the fightBut here’s part of the equation- sometimes- on this side of heaven- you need to wake up to the reality that there’s no earthly person or solution coming to save youYes- God...
