Day 21 - Advance with Courage

David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." - (1 Samuel 30:6) KJV

Have you ever found yourself in a very discouraging environment?  If so, you will find a companion in David.  In the story surrounding this passage David and his men are grieving the abduction of their wives and children at the hands of a roaming band of raiders.  The sorrow at this loss was so great that the men were prepared to make their leader pay the price.  In the midst of this, David finds a solitary place and fills up his reserve of courage through the Lord.  The Bible does not tell us what steps David took to renew his courage, but it does tell us what we can do if we find ourselves in a similar spot.  We can begin by (1) challenging the presence of fear and unbelief.  The Bible makes it clear that courage of a part of the spiritual makeup of men.  That knowledge alone can make a significant impact on our courage reserve.  I have often renewed my own courage reserve by reminding myself of what I believe in as a believer in Jesus.  If we look to the story of Peter walking on the Sea of Galilee toward Jesus, we can find our next point of action.  (2) It was when his attention turned from Jesus to the size of the waves that he became fearful and began to sink.  Courage can be renewed by directing our thoughts to God. After we have done so (3) we should answer the question, “What do we want our God to do about the situation?”  After strengthening himself in the Lord, the Bible tells us that David inquired of God.  James tells us “we do not have because we do not ask” (James 4:2).  Often we will lament our circumstances to God, but do nothing to communicate what we’d like Him to do on our behalf.  Finally, (4) whatever He tells you to do in response to your seeking, do it!