Does Life Ever Go Bad for You?

Back in the Bible days everything looked rather bad to David and his men when they arrived at Ziklag. The Amalekites had attacked the city and taken their wives and children captive. The men were very discouraged and wept until they had no more energy. David, their leader was "greatly distressed" because the people were contemplating stoning him.

When it was finally over, David's army rescued their families and defeated the Amalekites. However, the story takes a strange turn even before that when "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." The bible does not indicated exactly how David pulled it off. But it makes me wonder, In what ways can we strengthen, encourage, or refresh ourselves in the Lord when we are feeling discouraged?

1. We can remember what God has done. We can list the ways He has cared for us in the past, and how He has provided for us or answered a prayer.

2. We can remember what God has promised. "Be strong and of good courage: . . . for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"(Josh. 1:9).

Like David, lets learn to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, and then let's leave the rest with Him.