"John 19:28-20:9
How do we receive it?
Do you ever feel exhausted, at a low ebb, not knowing how you will be able to cope with all the problems you are facing?
These were terrible times for the people of God. David had reached a low ebb in his life. He had got himself in the position of being about to fight for the Philistines against Israel. But then, even the Philistines decided that they didn’t want him.
He gets back to find that the Amalekites have captured his and his men’s wives, sons and daughters. The result is an explosive mix of grief and anger. The whole company was distraught at what had happened, and David’s followers then turned the blame on him, threatening to stone him (vv.4–6).
But in the middle of all his problems, ‘David strengthened himself with trust in his God’ (v.6b, MSG). This was the turning point in David’s life. Those who, like David, have turned to God in their deepest distress have been repeatedly amazed at the speed with which he has been able to change their fortunes.
As the men return from battle, some of his men did not want to share what they recovered with those who were too exhausted to fight (vv.21–22). But David was wise enough to see that everyone has a part to play in God’s work. He replied, ‘No, my brothers, you must not do that with what the Lord has given us … The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be same as that of him who went down to the battle. All shall share alike’ (vv.23–24). Those who do the less glamorous work are just as important as those who hit the headlines.
As we read of the death of Saul and his sons, it is clear what a brutal world they lived in. Saul takes his own life in order to avoid being abused in the way that Samson was. Faced with such dangers and barbarism it must have meant so much to David to strengthen himself ‘with trust in his God’.
Follow David’s example – spend time with God strengthening yourself, being reenergised and then trusting him whole-heartedly, believing that he is in you by his Spirit, and believing that you are able to do whatever you need to do through him.
Lord, thank you that whether we are at our lowest ebb or facing great trials and challenges or just facing the ordinary struggles of life, we can all find strength and energy in the Lord our God."
1. Thank You for such a relief, for such assurance. This is indeed how You always teach us how to be calm even in the midst of trials.
2. Thank You for the energy to be able to exercise again. Help me not to procrastinate on this.
3. Thank You for the opportunity to formally learn a new language.
