And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6, ESV)
Saul's one-sided battle with David raged, and life found its low ebb. Already on the run, David's refugee encampment was attacked by Amalekite raiders, and all the women and children were taken captive. His entire entourage was distressed. They'd had enough, and talk of killing David was on the table. As an understandable bitterness of soul abounded, and as David became an isolated and endangered man, David went to the only place he could. He turned to God.
Notice first how David is contrasted with everyone else. They were distressed at their loss, "but David" did something none of them would. He sought God and was strengthened in his presence. May we be those who, even if we must be contrasted with the ways of most, turn to God in our darkest hours.
Notice second the source of David's strength. He had gone to "the LORD his God," and the presence of the Almighty radiated through David's body. Standing before the God of angel armies imbued David with overcoming power. May we be those who know where our strength and help come from—it comes from our God!
Notice third the solitude David was forced to press through. He was not strengthened—as he had been many times before—by his good friend, Jonathan. When it came to friends, David was completely alone. When it came to enemies, David was surrounded. But with what little energy he had, he drove himself to God. May we be those who turn to God even when most alone.
Notice last the grace of God. The context of this passage is that David had left God and Israel far behind. For well over a year, David compromised his soul and took refuge in Philistine territory under the approving eye of the Philistine lords. But this moment jarred David and thrust him right back into God-seeking—and God was ready to receive his man. David had penalized himself enough already; God would not add to his despair by distancing himself from his man. And may we be those who utilize God's grace, running right back to him after our years, months, weeks, days, hours, or minutes of rebellion. In Christ, we can return to our Lord.
