Strength for Today

1 Samuel 30:6 “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Strength for each day comes only from the Lord. No pill, smoothie, supplement, exercise, self-help book or guru gives strength, encouragement and fortitude in the face of anguish and distress.

1 Samuel chapter 30 finds David in grave danger of being stoned to death by the very men whom he led! He was in “much distress” and grief. His wives, along with the wives and children of his men, had been captured by a raiding party and carted off by their captors while David and his men were away in battle.  Now David’s men were threatening to kill him. His own men whom he provided for, sheltered and had led in numerous victories, turned on him at a time when he also needed comfort. 

His response?

• He “strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” Verse 6 
• Then he inquired of the Lord as to what he should do. Verse 8
• He did what the Lord showed him. Verse 9
•  And he gave glory to God for victory. Verse 23

What can I learn from this?

No matter the grief or trial,

                I have no need to fear

For God, my strength and fortress,

                Has promised He will hear.

If I will call on Him in prayer,

                He’ll show me what to do.

When in obedience, I trust Him,

                His strength will get me through.

Then I will give Him all the glory,

                Give Him all the praise.

For He, in mercy and great love,

                Has seen me through tough days.

How about you? Where do you find strength for each day?

“Discouragement turns to encouragement when we look away from our circumstances and focus our eyes upon the Lord.” (Mildred Stamm, Meditation Moments)

Remember when...

I’ve been skipping down memory lane these past few days.  It’s funny how much we forget in the busy dailyness of living but, when once reminded, we are transported back to “remember when?”

And so, this Mothers’ Day, I challenge you to remember when …

You were hurting and she kissed it to make it better.

You were sick and she fed you chicken soup and ginger ale.

You had nightmares and she got up in the middle of the night and prayed with you, then stayed with you until you fell back asleep.

She made you breakfast in the mornings, packed your lunch for school, and insisted on family suppers at 5:30.

She was there to help you with your homework.

She went to your school programs and cheered you on in your endeavors.

She got up early to put turkey in the oven for Thanksgiving dinner, and stayed up late on Christmas Eve wrapping presents to put under the tree.

She taught you right from wrong and corrected you when you needed it.

She taught you to say “please” and “thank you.”

She talked to God about you - and to you about God.

And when it was time to let you go, she did – to school, to work, to a home of your own, to another state and to another country.

She visited you and she loved the ones you loved.

And she did it all without complaining – because she loved you.

Remember when?

Thanks, Mom, for all you did with me and for me.  I miss you and I thank God for you. 

Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

Proverbs 31:28-29