Renew Our Strength

Three days later, when David and his men arrived home at their city of Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had raided the city and burned it to the ground, carrying off all the women and children. As David and his men looked at the ruins and realized what had happened to their families, they wept until they could weep no more. (David's two wives, Ahino-am and Abigail, were among those who had been captured.) David was seriously worried, for in their bitter grief for their children, his men began talking of killing him. But David took strength from the Lord. 1 Samuel 4:1-6 (TLB)

Marcio Abreu de Freitas is from Brazil. In January 2020, their city faced the biggest flood in its history. A newly renovated church in the community had just invested in quality equipment and furniture, but floodwaters hit the facilities and caused many material losses. Marcio had been a pastor in the community for 12 years, and his heart ached when he witnessed the chaotic aftermath.

In moments like this, we become plagued by frustration, anguish, and discouragement. But the word of God meets us in adversity and strengthens us. In 1 Samuel 30, we read about David's intense reaction to Ziklag's destruction. He wept and grieved but did not allow his anguish to overwhelm him. David's faith in God revived his strength. He sought God's guidance and in due course retrieved everything that had been taken. This testimony inspired Marcio and the members of the church, reviving their strength so they could move forward and start over.

We all live through difficult moments, and in such times dejection often tries to settle in our hearts. But like David, we can revive our strength in God. Let us always pray and carry on, for in God's timing we will surely find renewal.

Prayer: Dear Lord, in the face of adversity, we place our hope in you. Revive us in the name of Jesus. Amen.