The Believer’s Proven Encourager

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 for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.  1 Samuel 30:6

Because of sin and the curse, this world is full of distresses.  These distresses of David were no doubt ordained of God for his good, but they were the result of David’s own unbelief and fear. He was running from Saul and tried to join himself to the army of God’s enemies.  And while he was gone, the Amalekites came and took all their wives, children and possessions.  The pain and grief were so great that David’s faithful men were of a mind to stone him.

Are you in great trouble believer?  Have your sins and unbelief moved you from the service of your God?  Have you sought to join forces with the enemies of God and forsaken His gospel?  Surely the pains of our sins and failures are sharp, and our grief pierces through our very souls.

But let us now learn from our brother David in this text.  The word of God says that “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”  Instead of considering the circumstances or living in regret of his failures, David found encouragement, strength, solace, and guidance in the promises of God.  This encouragement did not come by human wisdom or looking at earthly helps, but David looked only to the promises of God.

Believer, remember that God is your God.  If you are in Christ by faith, then encourage yourself in this truth, that God was from eternity your God.  It was God the Father who chose you to salvation and ordained that you should be holy (Eph.1:1-6; 2 Thes. 2:13; Romans 8:31-39).

Stand fast in the faith of Jesus Christ the Son of God.  He is thy redeemer.  He has been your surety from eternity, and at the appointed time He obtained all your righteousness.  Jesus, thy savior, has already suffered for your sins which you now confess and regret (Hebrews 10:14; 1 John 1:8-10).  Look steadfastly now to the Holy Spirit which is your teacher and comforter (John 16:13; 1 Peter 1:3-5).  Let us then say in the very teeth of our distresses, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God” (Psalms 43:5).

Behold, believer, there is great comfort and solace found in our God.  Great joy is found in the truth that Christ is my savior redeemer and friend.  Great hope is found in the Holy Spirit who has quickened us that he will also keep us in Christ firm to the end no matter our troubles and pains in this life (2 Timothy 2:11-13).  Therefore let not thy soul be troubled nor let thy faith fail, but encourage yourself in Jesus Christ who is all our Salvation.

-F.E