Godly Wisdom

1 Samuel 30

David and his men returned from battle and found their city burned down, and their wives and little ones missing.  

I cannot fathom coming home to anything more horrifying than this.  Any casual observer would assume that all was lost.

In fact the bible says that the men lifted their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.

Then, that which was in the hearts and minds of those left behind, rose to the surface. 

David’s men allowed their fear and their embittered spirits to control their thoughts and behavior.

Those who had once been so loyal to David now called for his stoning.  

But David (though distressed because the people spoke of stoning him) strengthened himself in the Lord. 

To David, it must have felt as if the world were spinning around him. His very life was in jeopardy and his wives were missing.  

Yet, David did not allow his dire situation to dictate his actions and words, instead the bible says he strengthened himself in the Lord, and sought Him for guidance and direction. 

The Lord instructed David with these words:  "Pursue, for you will surely overtake them, and you will surely rescue all."

God never took his eyes off those taken into captivity.  He wasn’t surprised by the peril they found themselves in.  He was always in control of their situation.

God saw the whole picture even though the men could only see what appeared to be chaotic hopelessness. 

We too can rest assured that God is in control of every situation we face today. 

Each of us will face many difficult situations in life, and each situation will require a response from us.

This passage of scripture is a reminder that many times bad responses are born out of passion and an embittered heart. 

It is also a reminder that when circumstances appear hopeless or scary God is still in control. 

He still sits calmly on the throne, waiting for us to strengthen ourselves in Him, and to seek Him for godly wisdom and guidance that comes from above. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5