1 Samuel 30:6

New International Version

 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.

For Meditation

His day started with an unusual rejection on the battleground at Aphek. The giant killer of Israel was going to fight his people alongside their archenemies, the Philistines. Was it a joke or what? But the Philistine lords would not have it. What if he turned on them and became a hero to Israel a second time?

Three days and nights of trekking back home, and David’s men reached Ziklag to the surprise of their lives – smoldering houses and ashes to welcome them. The men erupted with grief and deep sorrow. The Amalekites had made a sneak attack on the small town and taken their families captive (30:3-5), and you thought that was all of David’s problems.

Have you had your trusted friends or family members turn on you in your distress? David did not see that coming. He was hurting like all of his men for their families. He shared in their loss and pain, so why threaten to stone him? But humans will always be human. We must always find somebody to blame, and this time, David was the scapegoat.

“But David found strength in the Lord” (6).

Any wonder God calls him a man after His heart? Who else could he turn to but God Almighty?

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

He says,

“Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in all the earth” (10).

As you begin your week today, know that some days could be very trying and challenging—one trouble after the other. That most devastating blow may come when your colleague betrays you. Hang on, my friend! Just turn to the Lord Jesus Christ for comfort and encouragement. He will deliver you and give you victory for the Father’s glory. Amen!