They’re days when all you see
are your own mistakes
emotional lows
bottomed out
heart drop
disappointments
~ never get it right.
Trials ebb and flow
like rolling waves
tap the shore
then recede.
In the ‘tap-out’
we realize
the beauty
of brokenness.
Independent heart
seeking
surrenders
prioritizing,
dependence
on Him.
Oft needed occurrence
to balance life.
1 Samuel 30:6
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord.
There are days when it doesn’t matter how much you ‘get it right,’ - mistakes are made, irreverent words are uttered, and our fleshly mindset drives us to react without thought.
This is real life.
Sadly, when we enter adult life, we may not feel adequately educated, or trained to answer questions on our job. We may feel uneasy about a power point presentation, or - heaven forbid, having to deal with a problem requiring technology beyond our knowledge base!
Most of us may not have ‘role played’ as we grew into adulthood, asking ourselves questions in front of a full length mirror like a Jeopardy Host: “How should l I handle myself when . . .? or, What should I say to that person after such a rude post? Should I say anything?”
David did.
When the people were ready to stone him, David donned his ephod (a symbol of God) and received direction, strength and encouragement.
The backstory of this verse (concisely paraphrased) comes on the heels of David wanting to partner in battle against the adversaries of King Achish, in Jezreel. Somehow in the translation of this partnership, the 3rd part of the fighting triad, the Philistines, don’t trust David. (With good reason, remember Goliath?) Although King Achish advises against it-the Philistines see David’s men as a threat and share their vehement distrust of him.
Ultimately, King Achish tells David to return home to Ziklag, the city he gave him. David listens to the king's counsel telling his men there’s been a change of plans, thus beginning a long – almost three day journey home.
But as David and his men approach the city, he sees a faintly familiar habitation outlined by billowing smoke. It’s only then he realizes his entire camp has been pillaged, burned, and all the women and children taken captive. David’s heart sinks lower than the dust on the bottom of his feet.
Within minutes of their arrival back to camp, his own men, the army who’d previously fought along-side, who marched with him from Jezreel To Ziklag, turn on him with accusatory remarks in mutiny like fashion. (Embellishment added for effect.)
David knows just enough about men and ‘Alpha Male’ syndrome to nip the scenario in the bud and avoid a riotous stoning– but he’s greatly distressed knowing that he too has lost, his family – everything.
He didn’t have enough grace or strength to answer, console, or speak to his men. He needed a word on what to do in his situation. He digs deep, seeking strength for himself first, before he can answer or help his own men. David's mind had to be in a position to ‘receive’ and hear from God.
David then goes to Abiathar the priest and asks for the ephod, a linen mantle worn only in the presence of God. Afterward, he dons the mantle, enters the presence of the Lord, and seeks solace and direction.
*Notice he first encouraged himself in the Lord, THEN he put on the linen ephod to seek God’s directive.
He received his answer NOT by scrolling, or texting. But simply, by kneeling before God, asking, seeking, and waiting.
Life will throw all kinds of difficulties at you, just like King David.
Cruel situations happen, you'll want to ‘defend your rights’ and spout off ugly words. Parents, co-workers, spouses, all can get so caught up in a web of distilled anger that our pleas to God are only for ‘rescue’ and ‘deliverance.' We miss the point of hearing what God has to say in the situation because we're wearing anger for ear muffs.
And while I am certain David had every right to plea and beg God for help and deliverance for his army and family; his posture for approaching God suggests that he first encouraged himself. Then he went to the Lord humbly, seeking direction for his men.
Dear Reader, allow me to remind you of the goodness of God as you continue 'adulting' and remember that it's okay to encourage yourself. Offer God your life, job, your ministry, your family - all the pain, and let go of any hurt blinding you to His goodness.
May you experience renewed hope and peace, cloaked in the ephod of His presence.
Seek Him, feel after Him. And like David, you’ll regain traction, direction, and encouragement.
God has sooo much more for you!
