16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and HELPED HIM TO FIND STRENGTH IN GOD. 1 Samuel 23
How unusual was this? Saul was hunting David and his men in the desert to take his life, but God sent Saul’s own son, Jonathan, to encourage David and strengthen him. God may send the most unlikely people at crucial times to help hold up our hands when we are flagging in our walk. It’s significant that God didn’t call Saul and his troops off, but rather encouraged David to face up to a difficult situation and keep going. God may be calling some of you today to, ‘RISE UP ABOVE YOUR SITUATION AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD’. IT’S VERY IMPORTANT WHENEVER YOU FACE OPPOSITION TO KEEP GOING. You may slow down for a time, but get up and move on, don’t allow the enemy to paralyse you. (I received a timely message from a friend this weekend following an earlier disappointment. I believe that was the Lord’s kindness. He doesn’t want to leave us downcast, but He helps us to rise up and move on).
16 for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again,
but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. Proverbs 24
Falls do happen, but though the righteous may be deflated, God helps us rise again and again. RESILIENCE IN TIME OF DIFFICULTY IS A TRAIT OF THE RIGHTEOUS!
The following verses regarding our attitude towards others when they fall are also note worthy.
17 Do not gloat when your enemy falls;
when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice,
18 or the Lord will see and disapprove
and turn his wrath away from them. Proverbs 24
Christians must not gloat over other’s misfortunes, that may be a trait of the wicked, but it’s not the way in God’s Kingdom.
David had to face these situations more than once, he was to be a leader for the nation and both Israel and God needed to be sure David would stand in the heat of battle.
5 David’s two wives had been captured – Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 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. 1 Samuel 30
David sought the Lord and went forward again to take back what the enemy had stolen, including their wives and children. God opened the way for David and his men to overcome their enemies. We are living in a time when the people will have to stand up and take back authority to restore righteous rule and with God’s help those victories can be achieved.
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.