Saturday, May 21, 2016

Saturday, May 21, 2016

[Keesha Sullivan]

What do you do when you feel all alone in a struggle? Who or what do you turn to? I've turned to friends, food, TV/entertainment and even work.  Although these avenues took my mind off of the problem for a little while, ultimately neither the problem nor the loneliness completed subsided. I needed more. There was still a gaping hole that needed filling. In fact, many times these fillers became idols. I would look to them often, which gave the enemy an open door to help me over eat, procrastinate, complain/vent, etc.

        In our scripture from today, David did not turn to any of these worldly idols. He knew the One that could solve the problem and fill the loneliness. It says in 1 Samuel 30: 6. "But David found strength in the Lord his God." David turned to the only One that could turn his situation completely around.

        The Amalekites kidnapped the wives, children, mothers, fathers and friends of David and his men. David and his men were in complete despair. They were bitter in spirit and they could not turn to one another. In fact these men were ready to kill David. David not only made God his refuge in his time of need, but he also asked the Lord for advice.  David inquired, "Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?" (1 Samuel 30: 8). The Lord answered him and said, "Pursue them. You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue" (1 Samuel 30: 8).

        God provided solace and comfort to David. He quieted David's spirit with His peace in the midst of the storm. He provided a strong tower and love that would overflow any gaping hole that was created from this horrendous tragedy. God then blessed him with the opportunity to retrieve all of the family members and friends that had been taken. God basically told David to go after the Amalekites because He would fight the battle. David and his men would experience success because the Lord their God would fight for them. He would make them victorious!

        Over time I have stopped turning to false idols and suffering through trials because of the mercy of God. I have begun turning to God and overcoming trials because of the supernatural strength that God gives me. He has and will always make us victorious! The trials will come, but the Lord has said in John 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

        Lord, please help us to turn to You when we go through struggles and trials. Help us to find our comfort and refuge in Your arms. Please help us to trust and believe that You will see us through. Help us to be overcomers! We need You Lord and we thank You that You are always with us and that You never leave us nor forsake us. We love You! In Jesus's name. Amen