Organizing the Inside – Day 128 When Under Stressful Conditions

January 9, 2012 at 11:00 am · Filed under Encouragement, Faith, Inspiration, Leadership, Relationship, Wisdom, Women's Ministry and tagged: Books of Samuel, Stress

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

We all have been distressed before.
Often times we are in situations that require us to respond under stressful conditions. There will also be times when our reaction will serve to create a particular environment, causing others to react a certain way.  It’s important that as Christians when we find ourselves in distressing situations we react with forethought and wisdom. When David found himself in a difficult place there were at least three important things he did that affected the outcome.
1. David encouraged himself in the Lord. He didn’t wait for someone to bring him a word. He didn’t wait for bible study night nor did he ask anyone around him for advice. David also did not decide to just plan an attack and rescue on his own.
2. David asked God for advice.  David knew that his best opportunity for success would be to follow God’s direction and he asked God for guidance. 8Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”
3. David didn’t become angry and bitter. David could have become angry because of what his enemies had done. He could have chosen to take revenge on the man who admitted to have participated in raiding their territory. Instead David helped someone he didn’t know, who ended up being the very person that could help him find his loved ones who were captive.

When faced with personal stress how do you handle things?
David showed great poise and honor in handling his situation. His men went from being ready to kill him to having more respect and appreciation for his leadership. When faced with a difficult situation keep in mind there are those around you who are looking to see how you handle stress. David didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk and because of his relationship with God he was able to rise above his circumstances, and show great courage in the face of personal adversity. David and his men recovered all that was taken from them. David was a righteous man and continued to show great moral character.
(also read 1 Samuel 30)

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