No matter what the world throws at us, our hope comes only from the Lord. David gave us many examples throughout Scripture, but one that resonates with me this morning occurred after David and his men returned from battle and their families were gone. His men were angry at David, spoke ill of him, and planned to harm him. Did David lash out at them? No. “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 Sam 30:6)

Too often we tend to look to the world around us because that’s what we are able to see with our own eyes. Unfortunately, what we are able to see becomes darker and can lead us to further distress. But no matter our circumstances, we are told to always rejoice in the Lord, and then we’re told how. “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7)

This is how we strengthen ourselves in the Lord, we rejoice in what He has done for our salvation, are thankful for being heaven-bound, and know that He cares for us. And because of this we know that we can do all things the Lord has created for us to do because He will give us the strength and equips us (Phil 4:13). One of the best ways is to arm ourselves with God’s Word, strengthen ourselves in prayer and find someone else who needs to be encouraged in the Lord and be there for them. Be the blessing someone needs today, and rejoice that He has chosen you to do so!