A Roller Coaster Ride
September 11-12
A Roller Coaster Ride
David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
We first hear about David as a young man, caring for his father’s sheep. The prophet Samuel anoints him as next in line to King Saul, unbeknown to Saul of course, who ends up. Next, David kills the nine-foot Philistine, a giant known as Goliath, and becomes a mighty warrior, of high rank. His position in life is enviable, until he loses his favor with Saul and shifts from mighty warrior to hunted prey. Mighty men are drawn to David’s side in the wilderness, while others betray him. His first wife is taken from him, and his life is filled with constant moving and intrigue. Grab a chair, break out the popcorn because David’s life is certainly a roller coaster ride.
During this season in his life, David was not alone. His beloved friend Jonathan, son of King Saul, finds David and ‘helped him find strength in God’ (1 Samuel 23). What joy and courage it must have brought to David to see Jonathan again, a familiar face and to be reminded of God’s promises for his life! Jonathan encouraged David to not be afraid (even though, humanly speaking, he had every reason to be fearful), and to keep his eyes on God, who could be trusted to fulfil His purposes.
Jonathan knew something that David needed to be reminded of and that I want to remind you of today. It is not our strength that we are to depend on, but rather it was God’s strength. I’m so grateful for the people that God brings alongside me to strengthen me in my journey, and no doubt you are as well. But however good and beneficial it is to have such people in our lives, their help fades into significance when compared with the strength of God. I encourage you today to take your eyes off man, and set them firmly on your God. Find your strength in Him. He alone is everything you need.
Prayer for today: God, You are my fortress. The One I look to in and out of season. I cling to You today for strength, protection, wisdom, grace, mercy, and everything else I need. Amen.