“So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive.
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. So David inquired of the LORD, saying, ‘Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?’ And He answered him, ‘Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.’”–1 Samuel 30
The thing that struck me about his section is that when David was in despair he first strengthened himself. After that, he inquired of the Lord what he should do.
Perhaps, when we are in despair, it isn’t best to ask God what we are supposed to do. Maybe it is best to wait. Maybe it is best to wait for a moment when we are stronger, when we are thinking more clearly–when we have some faith.
December 1, 2007 at 9:12 am |
[...] Hans’ latest post will be an encouragement to you [...]
December 2, 2007 at 8:05 pm |
Very insightful – it brings to mind Isaiah 40:31.
December 30, 2007 at 1:06 am |
Isn’t this the truth? I find that when I am desperately seeking answers (which, quite frankly, is more often than not, as of late) I tend to place words in God’s mouth, so as to hear an audible voice. However, I realize upon spending time in His word, or sometimes simply getting a good night’s sleep, that He has much to say to me, but in a way I couldn’t understand with my mind cluttered by my own stubborn thoughts.
Yes, we must come to Him in faith, with a mind and heart ready to receive His all-knowing direction.