David Encouraged Himself in the Lord His God.
David's story teaches us to encourage ourselves in the Lord our God, even in the midst of turmoil and uncertainty.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes how David, despite his failures and the dire circumstances he faced, found strength and encouragement in the Lord his God. He reflects on David's ability to recall God's past faithfulness and promises, which provided him hope and peace amidst turmoil. Meyer encourages believers to similarly seek refuge in God during their trials, reminding them that even in moments of despair, God remains a present help. He draws parallels to John Knox's faith in facing death, highlighting the importance of anchoring oneself in God's word and past deliverances.
Text
David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 1 Sam. xxx. 6.
HIS God! Doubtless the chronicler heard him say repeatedly, as he was so fond of saying, "My God, my God. " "I will say unto God, my rock, why hast Thou forsaken me?" Though he had seriously compromised God's cause, by the failure of his faith, by consorting with Achish and the Philistines, by a tortuous and treacherous policy, yet God was still his God; and, in the supreme crisis which had overtaken him, he naturally betook himself to the covert of those loving wings.
He encouraged himself. ‑‑ He would go back on promises of forgiveness and succour, which had so often cheered him in similar straits. He would recall his songs in former nights as black as this, and therefore would have hope. He would remember that he had been brought through worse trials; and surely He who had helped him against Goliath and Saul would not fail him against the Amalekites. Besides, he had probably left his dear ones in the protection of the encamping angel; and though his faith might be tried, it could not be entirely disappointed. In this way he encouraged himself. All around was tumult and fear; but in God peace and rest brooded, as swans on a tranquil lake. His men might speak of stoning him; his heart be greatly distressed for wives and children; his life be in jeopardy: but God was a very present help, "Why art thou cast down, and disquieted, 0 my soul? Hope thou in God."
In similar circumstances, let us have resort to similar sources of comfort; hide in God, and encourage ourselves in Him. It was in this spirit that John Knox, when about to face death, said to his wife, "Read to me where I first cast anchor."
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to David's Encouragement
- A. David's reliance on God despite past failures
- B. David's use of promises of forgiveness and succour
- C. David's confidence in God's help in past trials
- II. The Sources of David's Comfort
- A. His songs and experiences in former nights
- B. His faith in God's protection of his loved ones
- C. His trust in God's presence and help
- III. The Result of David's Encouragement
- A. Peace and rest in the midst of turmoil
- B. Hope and confidence in God's promises
- C. Encouragement to face challenges with faith
Key Quotes
“He would go back on promises of forgiveness and succour, which had so often cheered him in similar straits.” — F.B. Meyer
“Why art thou cast down, and disquieted, 0 my soul? Hope thou in God.” — F.B. Meyer
“Read to me where I first cast anchor.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can encourage ourselves in times of trouble by recalling God's promises of forgiveness and succour.
- We can find peace in the midst of turmoil by hiding in God and trusting in His presence and help.
- We can have hope in God, even in the face of challenges and difficulties, by trusting in His promises and His help.