David strengthened himself in the Lord his God #2269

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God (1 Samuel 30:6, NKJV).

Enemies attacked Ziklag, the Philistine city where David and his cohorts found refuge from king Saul’s attempts to kill him (1 Sam. 27:1-7). The invading Amalekites plundered and burned the city, taking captive the women and children, including David’s wives (1 Sam. 30:1-5). Sorrow consumed the people “until they had no more power to weep” (1 Sam. 30:4). Grief turned to retribution, and their leader David was in their crosshairs. Theirs was not an uncommon response, though unfair and unjust. David was innocent in the matter. He too was grieved, but not to despair. David knew he needed God’s help in this moment of crisis. The Lord was not a stranger to him; the Lord was his shepherd (Ps. 23:1). Sadly, many only turn to God in a crisis. But David could say, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; The God of my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, You save me from violence” (2 Sam. 22:2-3; Ps. 18:1-3). The Lord was his God, not the false idols of the Philistines. By the Lord’s strength, they recovered all (1 Sam. 30:8, 18-19). Turn to the Lord every day for your strength. Then, when a crisis comes, there will be no doubt the Lord is your God who will deliver you from the calamity (2 Tim. 4:16-18).

Refuge of the Aged #440

4  Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5  For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. (Psalm 71:4-5)

Evil, cruel people prey upon the aged. They are vulnerable, an easy target for the unscrupulous. Yet, even in old age there is refuge in the Lord. He protects and delivers those who put their trust in Him. Psalm 71 is the prayer of an aged man for God’s deliverance from ruthless predators (v. 1-4). He put his trust and hope in the Lord from his youth, enduring many trials of faith through which the Lord had delivered him (v. 5-6). Instead of becoming despondent as life drew to its end, he was more devoted to praising God and declaring the Lord’s power to the next generation (v. 7, 17-18, 22). This aged saint also told others of God’s salvation and righteousness (v. 14-15, 24). Follow his example and be a beacon of light in your old age. Imitate his faith and exclaim, “O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!” because “You are my rock and my fortress” (v. 12, 3).