The Right ResponseSample

Encourage Yourself and Look Up to God

In 1 Samuel 30, we find the story of David and his men coming back home to Ziklag after fighting in a war. They must have been exhausted and arrived with wounds from their battle. Rest was all they needed, as well as a reunion with their family. Instead, they found that their city was destroyed by fire; their wives, sons, and daughters were taken captive. As we read through the story, we will find two kinds of responses. 

The first response is from David’s men who were bitter in spirit. They didn’t guard their heart. Exhaustion, loss, anger, worry, fear, and disappointment merged and took over their heart. No longer able to think rationally, they even planned to stone their own leader. They took their anger out on other people. People with a bitter heart are full of questions like: “Why is this happening to me? Why do I have to face this trouble? I have served God. I have given my offering to God.” People with a bitter heart will keep on asking, “Why?"

The second response is from David. He was greatly distressed and went through the same loss, but he guarded his heart. He was not bitter. When there is no one else he could count on, including his own men, he showed us what we can do as God’s children, especially during this pandemic: David encouraged himself in the Lord, His God. He eventually recovered everything the Amalekites had taken, plus he got plunder from the war.

There will be times in life when we can no longer count on anyone. We want other people to help us, but they are also going through hardship. At such moments we need to look deep inside, encourage ourselves first, then look up to God, the source of hope. Remind ourselves of who we are in Christ, and proclaim it. 

Remember our identity as the sons and daughters of God. He is with us, and we are loved unconditionally; we are the apple of His eyes and we are given power in the name of Jesus. Remember all His goodness, everything that He has done in our lives, all His blessings, until this very day. We have the Holy Spirit within us and He will lead us to put our hope in Him.

Pray

Father in heaven, I am grateful because Your Word always encourages and helps me. I pray for my country, for the government and every person who is doing their part to fight this pandemic, and for all of Your children in this country. Give us wisdom, protection, and Your favor, so we will be able to get through this tough time. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit. I am grateful because I am loved, and I have hope in You. Help me bless others, in the name of Jesus, amen.