Strong in the Lord

“David was greatly distressed […] but David found strength in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6 (NIV)

My desire as a follower of Jesus is to be strong in Him. Being strong in the Lord and being trained for spiritual battle looks like finding strength in the Lord. It is found through running into His refuge/fortress/rock/wings. And in the strength from Him, clothed in His armor, we stand firm.

The next time you’re feeling drawn toward a temptation, draw near to God. Tell Him how you are feeling. Be real with God about your emotions. We can come before Him with our heart completely exposed. He already knows our hearts, so why not tell Him! Don’t stuff your emotions down but express them to God. He can handle them!) He loves us completely and continuously. Say, “I’m so angry about ____”. “I’m so fearful/anxious about ____”. “I’m so sad about ____”.

Spend time with Him in that place of refuge/shelter, and then write down what He’s saying. Write truth. And choose to believe it. His words are always true. “This is how I feel… but this is what You say! I hand you my feelings, and I exchange them for your words of truth and hope and peace and joy.”

It is not about overcoming the desire for the temptation in our own strength, but by Christ who gives us strength (Phil 4:13). The next time you are faced with a choice to compromise, remember that each choice counts. Each choice to obey adds muscle. And it’s as simple as going to the Word of God for a verse and standing firm on it. Keep standing on it. Reading the scripture, out loud if you need to, and believing the truth. “Shut up devil, this is the truth! This is the truth!” And he will flee. Accept his temptations, and he will ensnare you. Resist him, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and His promise is that He will draw near you.

Truth Weapon to memorize:

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NIV)

Talk with Jesus

As you read today’s verses, bring these questions to Jesus and talk with Him about them.

• Show me why resisting temptation matters so much for my life.
• Show me how You are there for me in every time of need.
• Show me how to find my strength in You, like David did.

Prayer: Lord, my Rock, I don’t want to settle anymore for the temporary pleasures found in what the temptations offer. Instead, I choose true solace, true refuge, true comfort, true strengthening. I choose to go to You each day, in the secret place, for these things.