“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” – 1 Samuel 30:6
David and his men were in about the lowest place imaginable. They’d lived in exile amongst their Philistine enemies for years. Suddenly, while they were elsewhere, raiders came and burned their homes to the ground, kidnapping all their wives and children. His men had every reason to question David’s leadership and take out their anger, sorrow, and frustration on him. David recognized his danger, even as he wept for his own kidnapped family. David had no more tricks up his sleeve and knew he was “out of gas” as a leader.
However, David didn’t give up. He also didn’t try to figure the situation out himself. He turned to the Lord for guidance. Rather than guess what his next steps should be, David stopped to ask God’s direction. God told him the next steps to take and when David did as God said, his men followed. The story ends well, with a great victory that restored their families, property, and confidence in David. This was David’s final test of faith, obedience, and leadership before the death of King Saul and the rise of David to the throne of Judah (and eventually all of Israel). From the lowest of lows, David’s reliance on God in deep distress led him up, up, up for many years until sin brought him back down again.
What’s the lesson for us? One day, you may find yourself at a low point, doubting and disappointed with yourself or surrounded by people who’ve lost faith in you after a failure. If you’re a follower of Jesus, remember that even when you’re in profound distress, God’s strength and direction are available to you. God still has a will and a plan for you with good works prepared for you to do. However, you must be willing to stop and be still, for as long as it takes, to seek and hear from the Lord. Seek His direction for your life rather than your own (or someone else’s). Don’t give up! Remember that, just as David’s low point was also a key turning point in his life, there may be a time where your lowest low is preparing you to rise and thrive in the Lord. #FollowJesus