When the Battle is Raging...

When David and his men returned to the city of Ziklag, they found that their wives and families and all their goods had been taken captive.  On top of that, the men wanted to blame and stone David!  David did what WE need to do when we feel we're just plain losing the battle:

“But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” (1Sam 30:6 AMP)

After that David had the courage and strength to go to battle, and he took back everything the enemy tried to steal from him!

I have found that whenever I am discouraged, don't have the right answers to get through to the other side of the storm, or am distressed or sad about things, I encourage and strengthen myself in the Lord.  I have found that the Word of God is true, and that in HIS presence alone is fullness of joy found, and in His presence is strength.  

“You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”  (Psa 16:11 AMP)

“Honor and majesty are [found] in His presence; strength and joy are [found] in His sanctuary.” (1Chr 16:27 AMP)

Also, He is there to impart wisdom - HIS wisdom - to my situation and give me ideas on how to get through to the victory side:

“If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.”  (James 1:5 GWORD)

Too often we lean on our "own understanding" rather than seek the Lord's ways.  When we let Him come into our situation, we will not only find joy and strength in His presence, but the wisdom and grace to do His will!  Be of good cheer as we face trials and tribulations:  He HAS overcome the world!

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]”  (John 16:33 AMP)

Challenge:  What are the trials and tribulations that face you?  Are you losing strength to deal in any areas of your life, or are you losing your joy?   Encourage and strengthen yourself in the Lord -- get into His presence as much as possible and seek His wisdom above all else!  Let HIS peace keep your heart and guard your mind!  And take BACK what the enemy tried to steal from you!