How to respond in tough times

Moreover, David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. I Samuel 30:6

Get the picture. The “moreover” in this verse refers to what’s going on in David’s life: he is being pursued by King Saul (who intends to kill him); his family (and those of all his soldiers) has been kidnapped by hostile enemies; and his followers are on the verge of mutinous rebellion. No wonder the future king of Israel was distressed!

Note his response. David’s default action in difficulties was not to first figure out how to solve the problem. He did not whine or complain or panic. After a situationally appropriate time of grieving, (v. 4), Scripture tells us that David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

What does that mean and how can we learn to do it, too?

The first thing we do is to look at what “strengthened” means. The Hebrew word is “chazaq”. It means “to be bound fast, to be attached, to make firm, to support.” This evokes the picture of a mighty cathedral being fortified with buttresses for support. That is a strong image!

What the writer of I Samuel is conveying to us is that David attached himself to the Lord - that was the source of strengthening for him. But not a weak velcro type attachment - rather this is demonstrating to us a firm binding, the support necessary to sustain stability. In the midst of desperate and distressing circumstances, David knew that only God could provide the strength and support he needed to survive.

One other important word in this passage is a short little pronoun - “his”. The verse says that David strengthened himself in the Lord HIS God. That tells us at least a couple of things - one, that David knew God personally. This was not the God of his fathers - this was his own. Also, this does not tell us that God became his during this time but rather the Lord as his God was already established. David was characterized by turning to the Lord all the way through this book and we see that his default was a habit that served him well. The rest of this passage tells the story of how God answered him, enabled him to not only defeat his enemies but also to rescue everything they had taken, and blessed his soldier with the spoils of victory. Strengthening led to success.

So that is what it means what it says David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. But how exactly did he do that? And how can we do the same?

First, instead of caving in to the distress and despair, David turned to the Lord. His default response is recorded elsewhere in Psalm 18 where he says I love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised and I am saved from my enemies.

We see from the verses that David penned in this Psalm that he clings to God as his refuge, the source of his strength - no doubt he called forth memories of the many times God had literally saved him. From lions and bears and a giant and a murderous king. David had witnessed firsthand God’s faithfulness and this formed his habit of turning to his Lord in times of distress.

In addition to calling upon the Lord because of his relationship based on God’s trustworthy faithfulness, we see that David sought wisdom .Verse 7 says that he went to the priest and asked for counsel in knowing what to do. With that godly support, he asked God for direction. Then he waited for the answer! We don’t know how long it was before God answered - perhaps it was quick but maybe not. Regardless, Scripture shows us that David did not act until he heard from the Lord.

AND THEN he obeyed what God had said to do! The rest of this passage tells us how David acted with courage, compassion, and generosity as he followed what God sent him to do. Calling on the Lord, recalling His faithfulness, responding in obedience, and remembering that our relationship with the Lord always includes the right treatment of others. David not only rescues ALL who had been taken captive by the enemy, he also shared the spoils of war with everyone - even those who had not participated in the rescue.

How can we follow the example of David and learn how to handle difficulties victoriously? We can purpose to turn to the Lord as our source of strength, our “chazaq”.I love that this passage includes the intense emotion that David felt (v. 4 “David and the people with him lifted up their voices and wept until there was no strength in them to weep”) and acknowledges our humanity - we do need to process our emotions! But where do we go from there? Instead of giving in to panic or despair, instead of relying on our own abilities and resources, instead of remaining in the inevitably intense emotions, we can turn to the Lord. How, practically, do we do that? We recall the character of God. Recounting times of His faithfulness to us. Rehearsing the truth of Who He is. Repeating to our stressed out hearts as often as necessary what Scripture tells us about the Lord our God.

As our hearts become stabilized and strengthened, then we can seek Godly counsel about what our next steps to be. Having trustworthy people in our lives is such a source of strengthening support, just like the buttresses of mighty cathedrals! These are the ones who join us in asking God for direction…and then encouraging us to obedience. Most specifically, we can follow David’s example in going to our Great High Priest - Christ is the way we access God to ask for help and wisdom and strength. We don’t have to go through an earthly priest - Jesus is our way to the Father. God’s path for us in distress may not be easy - likely it will call for courage - but it will always be the way of righteousness and will include the right treatment of others , just as it was for David.

Times of desperation and distress and intense grief will come. That we can be sure of. But we can also be sure that God’s victory for us comes when we learn to strengthen ourselves in Him. Just like David.

The HOLIDAYS are here!

Holiday season is upon us!  That realization may bring  a myriad of emotions – excitement,  joy, anticipation but also weariness, disappointment, sadness or anxiety. Are the negative experiences inevitable? While it is indeed easy to exhaust ourselves or our bank accounts, it is actually possible to experience the season with a heart of celebration and peace.  The key is found in understanding God’s purpose for holidays.

The Old Testament book of Leviticus tells us that God established certain days for His people to observe. “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘The Lord’s appointed times which you shall proclaim as holy convocations—My appointed times are these:’” (Leviticus 23:2). He spelled out specific “holy days” – holidays - that commemorate significant times and events in Israel’s history which He wanted His people to remember. These were times to gather together for worship and fellowship, times to express thanks for His provision, times to increase in knowledge of Him and to celebrate who He is – and yes, times of feasting and fun!

The first step towards a joyful holiday season is to see the holidays as HIS. Instead of a holiday, we can make them HOLY days by purposing to dedicate them to HIM.  That doesn’t mean we spend all day at church, refuse to bake cookies or wrap presents, and ban participation in neighborhood parties!  Rather, we see these days as opportunities to glorify Him - in whatever we do, doing all to the glory of God.

The themes of REMEMBER, REFLECT, REST, and REJOICE can help us experience the holidays as God intends.

•REMEMBER:

The word “remember” has two layers of meaning in Scripture and both apply here. One is “to recall”,  and the other is “to intimately know”.  We can employ both meanings in our holiday celebrations as we not only recall precious memories but especially as we review what God has done for us. Sometimes, our memories are tender and sweet and delightful.  But other memories bring old hurts and pain to the surface and we’d just as soon stuff those down.

God is so very much aware of the hurts we have, from the past and the present.  And He does not leave us without instruction.  Instead of ignoring or pretending, He encourages us to face them and allow Him to bring healing.   Lamentations 3:19-25- I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them,    and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,   to the one who seeks him;

 Also call to mind the good memories, especially the faithfulness of the Lord. Psalm 105:5 – Remember His wonders, which He has done, His marvels, and the judgments uttered by His mouth.  Share these things with your family and create a time of focus on the Lord.  Thank Him and glorify Him by expressing confidence that, indeed, He is good to those who trust Him

REFLECT

While it is so good to remember, to remember the faithfulness of God and what He has done, it is also so beneficial to spend time of reflection. Reflection on who God is, what our walk with Him is like right now….and what does He want for us coming up.  Hebrews 10:23-25 is good counsel -

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,  not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. 

Reflect on who God is - His faithfulness and His call on our lives.  Reflect on what He wants for you, His plans for you.  The holidays can be a great time to “circle the wagons” and ponder goals for the future.   Reflection.  Considering how to encourage one another.  Love and good works.  Beautiful.

REST

Rest is a major theme of God’s appointed times.  And to that, we all say hallelujah!  But secretly we think - HOW can we accomplish that? We would love to relax, to rest, of course!  But how is everything going to get done?  Yet  it is so clear as we study the appointed times of the Lord that He does not want us to run ourselves ragged.  The hectic, frantic, chaotic pace that often characterizes our holidays benefits no one.  So, what are we to do? 

Perhaps we need to get rid of some of the things we think have to be done. God never calls us to meet every expectation or fulfill every imaginable demand.  He calls us to Himself.  And in that, we find that He will direct our actions, make clear our paths.  Ask Him before you add anything to your plate.  Ask Him what are the things that are on your plate right now that need to be taken off.

REJOICE

The final suggestion I have to offer to help us make our holidays Christ-exalting is to REJOICE!

The best counsel ever is found in Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you. 

REJOICE!  Rejoice in the Lord!  Be happy!  Celebrate!  Have some FUN!  God commands us to!  And did you catch that last phrase - it is a safeguard for you ? That means that if we don’t find our joy in the Lord, we will look for it elsewhere.  And all other elsewhere’s will eventually disappoint us.  The safest place to find our joy, our satisfaction is in Christ.  As you look ahead to this holiday season, make sure you plan for time to REJOICE

REMEMBER REFLECT REST  REJOICE. May the Lord’s appointed times for you be the best ever this year!

Thoughts on "The Election"

I penned this post in 2016. I am scheduling it in early November 2024. The same truths are applicable now. Even before I know the outcome…..

Are you tired of hearing about "The Election"?

Me, too. 

Tired of hearing not only the pundits banter on and on about what it all means but also the everyday folks pontificate the ups and downs for our country come January.

Enough already.

This blog is not that at all. Not about why who won and who lost and what that says about the electorate and what ramifications we can expect.

Instead, I have some thoughts regarding the response of people to the election.  Specifically, the response of Christ-followers. For those that don't know Christ, they can act any way they please but
for those of us who profess to know Him, well, we don't have the right to act the way some of us are acting. Election or otherwise.


Let me begin with the admonition of James:


Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;  for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.  James 1:20,21
 
As I've watched the behavior of my brothers and sisters before, during and after this election season, I have had lots of thoughts I wanted to spew, uh, share. It's not been that I didn't have some opinions - some strong ones, in fact.  But every time I started to blog it, I was restrained by these verses.
Be quick to hear.
Be slow to speak.
Be slow to anger.


So that's what I have tried to heed.


Doing so has helped me process things and  be prepared to walk as a child of the light for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth  Ephesians 5:8,9


Maybe this will encourage you, too.


Be quick to hear.
Other people.  Listen to other people.  Not those who share your same views or convictions or party affiliation. Make it a priority to hear what the "other side" has to say. First. Before you speak,
I'll be honest - I didn't care for either presidential candidate. And I wanted to rant and rave about both of them, just like lots of folks around me. Before, during and after the votes were tallied.
Sometimes I did just that but more and more I found it most helpful not to do that. But rather to listen. First.
To hear the fears and the angst. To listen to the hopes and the heart. To be attentive to the feelings and opinions of people that differ from my own.


I learned a lot.


Be slow to speak.
I can only do this if I am busy listening in order to hear.
Too many times, we are not really hearing but rather just waiting for a break in the conversation so we can have our turn to speak.
Not helpful.
Being slow to speak is helpful. though. Slow to share what we think is so important. Slow to speak aloud the thoughts forming in our mind. Slow to vent the emotions that well up inside when we disagree with what we are hearing.


A lot of pain and brokenness could be avoided if we would be slow to speak. Sometimes our thoughts need to change before we release them into the air. And being slow to speak gives that process a chance to happen.


That's why I waited to blog about the election. I needed to be slow about speaking.


Be slow to anger.
The anger of Christians during this whole season has grieved me. And it has been widespread. From people who took all sorts of positions regarding this casting and tallying time.
Anger over who has been in charge.
Anger over who is going to be in charge.
Anger over whether or not we should even care who's in charge!
Anger directed at people for having a different opinion or goal.
Anger that accuses and divides and shatters.
Anger that is decried by Scripture because it does not achieve God's plan of righteousness (James 1:21) and in fact, is equated with murder. (Matthew 5:21,22)  Yes, murder.


Anger is so dangerous because it is rooted in pride. The mindset that says "my thoughts are so much  better and more important than yours that I insist you change yours to line up with mine". And when that doesn't happen, anger results.


So, given the admonition of James, what are my thoughts about how we should respond? Not my original thought but Chuck Swindoll expresses it so well in a sermon decades ago that I'll borrow it from him:
Nobody act big.
Nobody act small.
Everybody act medium.




Nobody act big.
Whatever your position on the election was or is, don't act big about it. In other words, don't be a jerk. Not smug if your side "won" or indignant if your side "lost" or self-righteous if you didn't take a side. Don't act as though you are better or more important than someone who differs from you.
Because you're not.
So zip your lips and act like a gracious winner/loser/spectator. Refer once more to James on the hearing and speaking part.



Nobody act small.
The fear reaction has been what has shocked me. Remember now, this post is for Christians.  I am not shocked by any reaction of non-Christians. But the fear from my fellow believers has positively shocked me. Don't we know who rules and reigns? Not the winner of any election! Gracious me!

The fear of what might happen now or what could be the fallout. Fear from remarks made by people around them and fear of potential perception. Are you kidding me? If the "losing side" had expressed such fear (or anger) in the previous elections, accusations of racism would have flown faster than a speeding bullet. But this time, the fear response is to be pitied and coddled, even seen as noble. Gracious me. We are not to fear!


So don't fear and don't fuel the fear of those around you, especially the children.
And while I am ranting about not acting small, that includes the smallness of prejudice and unkindness. Don't act that way.


Everybody act medium.
The definition of pride is not only thinking too much of yourself, it's also thinking of yourself too much. Self-focus. That's pride. Acting too big or too small - that's pride.
I would explain "acting medium" as Philippians 2:4 "Do not merely look out for your own personal interests but also the interests of others".  The perspective God wants us to have is certainly not arrogance but neither is it self-deprecation. This verse tells us that it is reasonable to look out after our own interests...just not at the exclusion of the interests of others. Loving our neighbor as we love ourselves..because, whether we admit it or not, whether we are aware of it or not, we do love ourselves. We protect our own hearts, our own interests, our own preferences and Scripture is exhorting us not to do so at the expense of others.
Act medium.
Not boastful or presumptuous or angry.
And not fearful or pathetic or weak.


And, as the prophet of Daniel did so long ago, let us bless the God of Heaven:
Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings (and presidents) and establishes kings (and presidents); He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness and the light dwells with Him. To Thee, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise
Daniel 2:20-23