Focal Passage: 1 Samuel 30:6-8; 18-25
In the book of Job we read, “Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7). Jesus promised in John 16:33, “You will have suffering in this world.” I am sure that in reading this, you can be in total agreement. I am sure that you have seen your share of tragedy and trouble.
There will always be a right way and a wrong way to handle tragedy in life. The right way of handling tragedy keeps one in touch with God. The wrong way of handling tragedy is without God.
Handling tragedy without God leads to bitterness, failure, and perhaps, more tragedy. We have the freedom to choose which way we respond.
In our lesson we find David greatly distressed. We can understand why David was greatly distressed. Consider, his city was destroyed, his men’s families had all been taken captive his own wives were among the captives. And now his men want to stone him! I’d be greatly distressed too, wouldn’t you?
In studying the life of David, we find that he did not always do what was right. Some of the things that he did in life were questionable at best; others were in completely sinful. But when push came to shove in this event, David knew exactly where to turn.
David encouraged himself in the Lord his God! This is what we should do as well. He sought God for guidance in what he should do. And not only did he pray, he followed the guidance that God gave him.
When we pray for guidance and God gives it, we need to follow God’s will. As a pastor I have discovered something. Godly instruction and direction doesn’t work if it isn’t followed.
With the help of God, many problems people face could be solved if they would just obey God.
David got help in the person of the One he encouraged himself with. We too can get help with the proper One to encourage ourselves with. Jesus finished the quote in John 16:33 by saying, “Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”