Episode 26: What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do
We all have moments in life that are unexpected: a job loss, a sudden transition, a relational blow, a financial setback. Don’t be surprised by the unexpected—expect it…and you’ll master your reaction to it.
In 1 Samuel 30 we watch David and his men suffer unexpected heartache when their wives and children were taken in a surprise raid. Their enemies, the Amalekites, carried them off, and when David and men returned home they found their town burnt to the ground and completely destroyed.
Instead of reacting like the warriors and rushing into battle, their pain of their loss was so great that they wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. When the unexpected comes—the best way to handle it is to feel it. You can’t heal what you don’t feel. If we ignore our pain, or act like it’s not a big deal, we can actually prolong or numb a healthy reaction to the unexpected.
We know from the prophet Isaiah that Jesus was a man acquainted with sorrow and grief. Share your grief with Him and allow the shock of the unexpected to settle on His shoulders. Nothing surprises Him—and your life and times are in His hands. David’s men suddenly wanted to stone him as they mourned their losses. Sometimes pain from personal loss will drive you to do things you never would’ve done otherwise. Now, on top of his own pain, he’s dealing with the rejection of his men. But…David found strength in the Lord his God. (Verse 6)
What does it look like to find strength in God?
Remember your past victories.
We have to learn how to have a miracle memory. When faced with the giant Goliath, David remembered killing a lion and a bear as a shepherd. Remembering what he overcame in his past gave him strength for the new battle that he was about to face in his future.
Remind yourself your confidence comes from the SOURCE, not the resource.
God provides the resources you need, but ultimately He is the source of everything.
As it turns out, an Egyptian slave of the Amalekites was left behind after falling ill. When David found him, he brought him food and water and inquired about the enemy. With the slave’s intel, David was able to overtake the enemy and bring back everything that had been taken. Not all his men went with him into battle (some were too tired…) but David made sure everyone received from the bounty—even though some of his men thought this was unfair.
In the midst of uncertain circumstances and devastating times, David found his strength in the Lord, and continued to lead all his men well (even those who didn’t go into battle with him.) This type of behavior would carry him through decades of strong leadership as King of Israel.
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