Learning to rely on the Lord for strength (1 Sam 30:1-15)

How do we react to adversity? It may depend on the circumstances, of course, like how unexpected our challenge is or whether it affects us short or long-term and what we struggle with (the loss of a loved one, relationship difficulties, illness, financial strains and so on). We may feel upset, worried, grieving, angry, even bitter. This is all understandable, even normal, but we should not stop there. It may take time to work through those emotions, but they must not dictate our long-term attitude. David knew what it was like to live with adversity and our reading teaches us ways to come through it. What can we learn from him?

David in trouble

David has barely escaped one set of difficulties (with the Philistines) when he is plunged into a new challenge. The Amalekites’ raid on Ziklag (1 Sam 30:1) in the absence of David and his men may be retaliation for David’s raids or simply common practice in the region. It is God’s grace that David is released from Philistine service early, so he arrives not long after the city has been burnt down. The lack of corpses is also a hopeful sign suggesting that the women and children have at least survived (1 Sam 30:2-3; marauding bands would sometimes take captives to sell them on as slaves). Nevertheless, the situation is dire. Has David left no one to defend the place? Did he even have a choice if Achish demanded all his men to join the battle against Saul? We do not know, but in any case, the people hold David responsible and are ready to stone him, so that on top of his personal distress, he must face their bitterness and murderous intent (1 Sam 30:5-6).

David’s response

All these emotions of tears, grief, looking to blame someone and anger are natural, but the key to how things turn out comes in that short sentence that David strengthened himself in the Lord (v.6). Despite the urgency of the matter, he inquires of God rather than rushes headlong into pursuit (1 Sam 30:7-8). There is an implicit comparison here with Saul who in a similar situation could not wait but took matters into his own hands (1 Sam 13:11-12). Reassured by God, David sets out with his men, but given that they have already been travelling for three days to get back to Ziklag (1 Sam 30:1), some are too exhausted to continue (1 Sam 30:10). God’s providence once again becomes evident as the men happen to come across an abandoned Egyptian slave who belonged to one of the raiders and is willing to lead them to the Amalekites (1 Sam 30:11, 14-15). God honours our trust and provides even in the midst of difficulty.

What it means to be strengthened in the Lord

All of us know times when our strength is gone, and we are left without any resilience. But how do we ‘strengthen ourselves in the Lord’? Although it is not explained in our passage, we can glean what it means from David’s actions. When he inquires of the Lord, he clearly turns to Him. There is trust here in God’s help and guidance. It is also an act of submission to God’s will. Implicit in David’s actions is the belief that the Lord is sovereign over events. He knows what has happened and what is still to come, and He is also wise to know the best course of action. David’s inquiry says that without God human action is futile. Thus, David does not rely on his own assessment or strength but acknowledges in his attitude that he needs the Lord and His strength and trusts that he will be provided for. It is easier to see our lack and God’s strength when we are weak, but it is important to remind ourselves that we need to trust God in the same way when things are going well, and we think we can cope on our own. Cultivating a mindset of trust and reliance on God’s strength is not just for the days of adversity but for every day.

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