Have you ever had a disaster happen in your life? A disaster can be defined as a sudden, serious problem that arises that is overwhelming and difficult to cope with and brings great damage or loss. In the book of I Samuel 30:1-30, David experienced a disaster of epic proportions. He and his men had returned to the city of Ziklag only to find their wives and children taken captive and the city burned with fire. To add insult to injury, this great calamity caused David’s men to turn on him and want to kill him by stoning him. However, at the end of the story, the future king of Israel did overcome, and he and his men recovered their wives and children and ended up acquiring great spoils of war.
How was David able to regroup and recover from this disaster that happened in his life? What can we glean from the way he handled this calamity that suddenly plagued him?
He did not ignore his feelings. In verse 4 we read, “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” They did not stuff their feelings and keep a “stiff upper lip.” Those men cried, felt their feelings, and let them come up and out.
He encouraged himself. Verse 6 relays, “David encouraged himself in the Lord.” After he found out the men wanted to stone him, he looked within himself and found a way to make himself feel better. Apparently, he gave himself some strong self-talk that pulled him out of the pit of depression.
He inquired of the Lord. He said to the priest in verse 7, “Bring me the ephod.” That was an outer garment that was usually worn by the priest when he went into God’s presence. David put on the ephod and sought the Lord’s direction. He was told he would get the victory, and that Word from the Lord built his faith.
He obeyed the Lord’s instructions. When God gave him the promise that he would recover his wives and children, that was the Lord giving him the go-ahead to move out. He followed His instructions to go after his family, fully expecting the Almighty to turn the situation around in his favor. His obedience was rewarded with restoration.
Likewise, when we face disasters in our lives, if we follow this same paradigm, God will help us to survive them and thrive after it’s over. He says in 2 Corinthians 2:14 that He always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus. Therefore, if you are facing a disaster today, follow David’s example. If all is well for you at this time, if a disaster arises, you can apply David’s method and be a survivor as well. But as you well know, the best way to prepare for a disaster is to stay connected to God in the good times. When trouble comes (and it will because Jesus said in John 16:33, “In this world ye shall have tribulation”) you have the spiritual resources you need to gain total victory. When it’s all said and done, you will be able to watch God make any disaster that the devil meant for evil work for your good (Romans 8:28).
How have you dealt with disasters in your life? Please leave a comment below.
Tracey L. Moore (a.k.a. The Purposeful Poet) is a poet, author and speaker whose goal is to challenge you to be your best for Christ. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Christian Counseling from Oral Roberts University and is an Associate Minister at Chesapeake Christian Center in Chesapeake, Virginia. Learn more about Tracey at http://www.TraceyLMoore.com.