1 Samuel 30: 6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

In the King James Version the last sentence of the verse quoted above reads: “but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” That is not the way we normally think. We expect encouragement to come from others. But here was David in real pickle. He and his band of warriors had just been rejected by King Achish of the Philistines on the advice of his commanders. They were turned away from fighting with the King’s army because their loyalty was in doubt. In effect the king ordered them back to base. David thought he was coming home with a band of like-minded men to their families. But when they arrived in Ziklag all they saw was destruction and ruin, their homes had been plundered and burnt and their wives, sons and daughters had been kidnapped by their enemies the Amalekites.

In their despair David and his men held a pity party – they broke down and wailed and wept until there was no strength left in them. Then the next stage of grief quickly caught up to them, they became angry and launched the blame game. It had to be someone else’s fault. And, of course, it must be David’s. So, come let us stone him and get rid of him!

Naturally when David got wind of this, he became greatly distressed. He was grieving like everyone else, but as a leader he felt there had to be something he could do. He encouraged himself in the Lord his God. I believe he reaffirmed the character of God as he had showed himself in the past. I believe it is significant that David called for the Ephod, that priestly garment of praise normally worn by the High Priest which was inlaid with stones engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. He enquired of the Lord – the same Lord who had brought Israel out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with miraculous signs and wonders. (See Deuteronomy 26:8). Why? He needed confidence, sure guidance, wisdom and extraordinary empowerment for what he was to do next.

So David asked the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party, Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” (I Samuel 30: 8). There is no greater thrill than knowing you have God’s blessing for a task ahead of you because he guarantees the outcome. When faced with a challenge and there is no one to turn to, be assured that the Lord is never intimidated by the circumstances and his wisdom transcends all. Encourage yourself in the Lord your God!