In 1 Samuel 30, everything David had was taken from him, including his wife and children. What do you do when life hits you so hard you seem to have nothing left?

Choose What You Will Remember

David “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (v. 6). David made a choice to remember the Lord. Remembering is active, not passive. It’s difficult. But although life may take everything from you, it can never steal your power to make a decision. What will you choose to remember? Instead of focusing on what has been done to you, focus on what God has done for you. That decision will determine whether you end up weak or strong in the Lord.

Seek God Before You Act

Although David was probably distraught and terrified, he didn’t rush out to fight. He asked God what to do first. Don’t allow the pressure to drive you. Seek the Lord before you act. If you make decisions without Him, you might make decisions that undermine your future joy. Although there were 600 voices screaming their thoughts at David, he was concerned about only one. He asked, “God, what do You want?”

We must stop relying on our own strength, relying instead on the God who loves us so deeply that He sent His Son to die for us — the God who is so powerful that He overcame the grave. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He never has to come up with a plan. He already knows the best possible plan for you — He’s just waiting for you to ask. He wants to care for you and direct your steps. So surrender to Him. Decide to do whatever He would have you do. This is where strength comes from.

Move Forward Holding His Promise

In verse 8, we see God’s goodness as He answers David’s prayer. This is what God loves to do! He will always answer you — even if not always in the way you think He should answer. This is what Jesus talked about in Matthew 7 when He told us to ask, seek, and knock. He said the door will be opened because we have a good Father.

God tells David to pursue his enemies and promises success, but He doesn’t explain how this will happen or give David a plan. In your life, you will find that God won’t always give you a plan; He’ll give you a promise. David and his men simply moved forward holding that promise. And guess what? David recovered everything, and nothing was missing (vv. 18–19).

You don’t need to live anxiously because you don’t need to live with lack — your good Shepherd will provide. You can rejoice in the valley of the shadow of death because you have a Savior who’s for you. Everything you need, He accomplished for you. Romans 8:28 promises that everything is working for your good — not because you are good or faithful, but because God is good and faithful. Let’s pursue His promises today!