Tag: stressed out

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WHEN WEEPING’S NOT ENOUGH

David was one stressed out dude.

Coming from Aphek/Jezreel, he was sent back to Ziklag by King Achish.

To his horror, he found his city destroyed and house burned down after the raid by the Amalekites.  To top that, his family was taken together with all that they owned.

If that wasn’t enough, his mighty men and closest friends thought about stoning him because they were all distressed because they too lost their homes, families and possessions.

Not sure if you can relate with him.  But let me take it closer to home.

You just found out that your dad has cancer.
You won’t have a job at the end of the month because your contract is ending.
All your investments were lost because of the economic crisis.
Your professor just told you that you flunked your chemistry class and you have to take summer classes.
Your husband is having an affair.

What do you do?

The Bible said when David cried and had no more strength left weep, he found strength somewhere else.

“David was greatly distressed … But David found strength in the LORD his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6)

Finding yourself in an impossible situation will cause you to try to look for diversions – movie, friends, massage, TV series, Cheetos, hazelnut latte, etc.

All that’s not bad and it will probably work … temporarily.

You see,“There is no genuine strength until it is found in God alone.”

Find rest in Him.

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STRESSED OUT?

This weekend, Victory Metro Manila will have a 2 week series break. It gives all of us an opportunity to speak on topics apt in our different settings and context.

As for Victory Fort(and Victory Makati, thanks P. LA), we start a 2 week mini-series entitled “STRESSED OUT”.

David was stressed out because someone was out to take his life.
Jacob was stressed out because he was hiding from his brother.
Joseph was stressed out because he was falsely accused of raping his boss’ wife.

What do you do when someone accuses you or simply doesn’t like who you are and what you do?

You can have several responses but here are 3 that come to mind…

1. Retaliate.

This is the easiest thing to do. “They did me wrong, let’s see how it feels if we turn the table around.”

But the problem is that sometimes, they don’t see the whole picture of things that’s why they said what they said. It only brings you to a level where you don’t want to be.

2. Prove them wrong.

This is when striving begins. You’re mad, upset, and offended, therefore, proving them wrong becomes your number 1 objective in life.

I still don’t think this is the best route to take.

3. Go to God.

David went through this same type of deal. The Amalekites raided their homes, destroyed it by fire, took all they had and captured their wives, children and livestock.

The Bible says that “David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep.” (1 Samuel 30:4)

More so, David’s men were so despondent that they thought of getting rid of their leader.

David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

David sorted out his feelings. And rather than reacting, he responded – responded by going straight to God. He went to God and found his strength in the Lord his God.

That particular episode in David’s life ended with God helping them recover everything they lost plus plunder from their enemies.

When we go to God with our concerns, He shows Himself mighty on our behalf.