But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
This week, we’re on a journey to discover how King David, while he was at the lowest point in his life, strengthened himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6 NKJV).
There was no shortage of instances in David’s life in which strengthening himself in the Lord was an important skill to have. Though David is known as the greatest king of Israel and had many victories to his name, he also faced relentless battles and significant lows.
One thing David is known for is writing Psalms. He used every opportunity in his life to put pen to paper and give words to the feelings and desires in his heart. These Psalms were not just the result of happy times or great achievements; many were born during seasons of hardship.
For example:
- While pursued by Saul, he wrote Psalm 59.
- While imprisoned in Gath, he wrote Psalm 56.
- Fleeing from Absalom, he wrote Psalm 3.
- Hiding in the wilderness of Judah, he wrote Psalm 63.
Today’s key: go from problems to psalms.
What I mean by that is to put words to your feelings. Whether it is writing in a journal, composing a song or drafting a poem, expressing your emotions is an important step towards dealing with them, and it was something David was an expert at.
One of my most famous songs, Tumsa, took birth out of a painful season. And I am currently working on a whole new album full of songs that flowed out of me after my son, Zac, passed away in March last year.
But I must warn you, when you start expressing your deepest sentiments to God, your perspective might change. And what starts as a lament will often end as a song of praise.
This happened to David all the time. For example, in Psalm 13 NKJV he starts with:
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?
But ends with:
But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
And that’s exactly what strengthening yourself in the Lord looks like.
