SUNNY THOUGHTS FROM SUNSET by Vance Drum 10-26
At Sunset we’re experiencing a wonderful series of revival meetings this week with local preachers Tommy Sprinkle, Ottis Byers and Winston Spencer.
We’re being blessed and challenged in Spirit-inspired worship, the word of God, and the fellowship of God’s people. May the revival continue in our community and county after the meetings are over!
The Sunset pastor on Sunday continued our series, “Running the Race: Facing Life’s Challenges with Confidence and Hope,” with a message, “Reviving Our Strength.” The text was from 1 Samuel 30:6: “But David found strength in the Lord his God.”
Sometimes are spiritual strength sags, and we need a blessed boost from the Lord Almighty.
Many situations may contribute to our weakness. The passing of a loved one may take our breath away. The stresses of life which sometimes come — especially close relationships which are flawed or broken by sin — may be devastating.
Stresses that come from marital failure, from kids who go astray in destructive ways, and unhealthy relationships at work may tear us down physically, emotionally and mentally.
Two crises in our county that need prayer and divine intervention are (1) the terrible epidemic of drug abuse which is destroying much of a whole generation of young, and even older, people.
We’ve been hearing about this all of our lives, but I believe the situation is critically worse, nationwide, with many thousands of overdose deaths, murders and thefts related to this epidemic.
(2) A second disaster which needs God’s intervention is that of rampant sexual sin, even sexual assault, in our society. This is not God’s will, and brings horrible damage and destruction to all involved.
Our culture today is experiencing the beginnings of what it’s like to live without God in the world. We’ve set Him on the shelf. The church needs revival because the church is God’s agent to transform the culture, but if the church has lost its salt, our communities will continue to do what the devil leads them to do.
In our text David — anointed to be king but not king yet — was feeling weak. In chapter 30, David was about to be stoned to death by his angry followers in his hideout at Ziklag, because some Amelikites had raided the camp while David was away, and had taken captive many of the wives, sons and daughters of David’s men.
Then it says that in the midst of this great trial, “David found strength in the Lord his God.”
In 23:16, as David “kept moving from place to place” to escape the search of King Saul who wanted to kill David, it says that Saul’s son and David’s close friend Jonathan “went to David … and helped him find strength in God.”
How did this happen? In the midst of our human struggles, how do we find strength in God?
Two ways: (a) Prayer. In 30:8, “David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? … “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.” When David was in a jam, he prayed to God for wisdom. We must do the same.
James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” God will give you wisdom when you ask Him.
In 30:18, the answer came: “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken …. Nothing was missing.” God is still answering prayers, so put it up to him. God never answered the prayer that didn’t get prayed.
(b) Godly Friends. In 23:9 and 30:7, David went to his pastor Abiathar the priest, who helped him get a word from God. Everyone needs a pastor because often pastors have good insight from God, so ask them.
David also had a close, godly friend, Jonathan, who “helped him find strength in God.” [23:16] Everyone needs a few godly friends to help us get through our struggles in life.
“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” [Psalm 85:6]
May the Lord Jesus revive, restore and renew your heart and life today — our prayer for you from your friends at Sunset Christian Church.