And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
Have you ever experienced a disaster that was not your fault? You were doing everything you are ‘supposed’ to in trying your best to follow Him, but still… terrible disaster suddenly overtakes you. What do you do? What is your first reaction? Blame God? Blame yourself? Blame others? Right away call out for help to others? Ask for prayer and help from your closest friends? What if your friends are in the same predicament and blame you for the disaster? Have you learned to surrender it all to Him in those moments of great despair, devastation, and loss?
Do you truly see God as loving and merciful? Is that your view and life experience with the Father? Do you understand how much the enemies of God hate you? Do you know they are always trying to drive a wedge between you and your spouse, family, and friends, working hard to make them hate you as well? The enemies of God want you alone, depressed, and feeling sorry for yourself! They want you to think you have NO hope! Yet… those that really KNOW Him … are able to ‘strengthen themselves in the Lord THEIR God’!
So… you’ve lost what is so precious to you. Have you really lost it? Or are they just earthly things? If you’ve lost loved ones who love Jesus… have you really ‘lost’ them? Or are they now with Jesus and SOON you too will be with them? What loss here compares to what the Lord has prepared for you in His Kingdom? Can you remind yourself of that Truth? Do you believe it in the depths of your soul?
Have you learned to ‘strengthen yourself’ in the Lord? Have you learned to sing to Him in the darkest of places and times? Have you learned to praise Him when everything is… gone? Do you really understand the ‘goodness of God’? Have you walked with Him through such a disaster?
Paul and Silas had hardships that was thrust upon them with terrible physical injury and pain, and then thrown in prison with their feet locked in ‘the stocks’. And yet… About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Acts 16:25 I think they were ‘strengthening themselves in the Lord’, don’t you?
Lyrics to the song “Does Jesus care?’
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth and song?
When the burdens press
And the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
(Chorus)
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares.
When we live long enough we finally begin to understand
What these songs are saying
Does Jesus care
When I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptations strong?
When for my deep grief there’s no relief
Though the tears flow all the day long
Does Jesus care when I’ve said, “Good bye”
To the dearest on earth to me
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
(Chorus)
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares
His heart is touched with my grief
When the days are weary
The long night dreary
I know my Savior cares.
I know my Savior cares. You are NOT ALONE! Jesus is WITH you.