The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH PRAYER

David found himself in a difficult situation. He was greatly distressed because he was grieving the capture of his family. He also feared for his life because his men wanted to stone him to death. They were angry and felt that David, as their leader, was the one responsible for the situation they were in. David felt hopeless, so he turned to the giver of hope and “found strength in the Lord his God” (v. 6). David served as an example of how to respond in the midst of fear.

Likewise, Jesus demonstrated where our true source of strength is found. When Jesus felt the pressures of life, he would take time to pull away from his public ministry and seek solitude with God. When the crowds became too large, he would retreat to spend time with his Father (Mk 1:35). When the fear of the future was painful to bear, he communed with the Father to find the strength to continue (Mt 26:36). If even Jesus himself needed time alone with God to find strength, how much more so do we need to find strength in him? “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (Jas 4:8).

Jesus, when I am afraid, stressed or running short on hope, remind me to pause in my activity and seek you for strength. Amen.