After all the bliss and fuss of the holiday season it is good, essential in fact, to rest awhile, to sleep in a bit, to sit and collect thoughts, to refuel…I find myself not yet ready yet to produce many words.  May I offer you instead some passages I’m meditating on…

I Samuel 30. David’s in a dilemma—his family has been taken captive, along with the families of all his men and they’re about to stone him! His response? He encouraged or ‘strengthened’ Himself in the Lord. What does this look like?

I picture it involving words like these from David’s 25th Psalm:

“To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame
Let not my enemies exult over me.
Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame;

“Make me know your ways, O LORD;
Teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation…

Good and upright is the LORD;
Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.
He leads the humble in what is right,
And teaches the humble His way…”

David reminded himself of things true of His God, the source of his salvation.  Only then was he ready for the next thing.  He dared not steam off in response mode before getting his bearings…That’s a a sure recipe for shame! (I know.)

So this is where I’m at today, getting back into the Word, lifting my soul to God, longing for a ‘fill-up’ after too many quick snacks…

And what was David’s next step?  He inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall I pursue the kidnappers? Will I catch up with them?’ He needed direction. He went to the Source.

I too could use a fresh game plan for this new year…What should I do differently?  What is my next step, Lord?  So here I sit considering David’s strategy, making his words my own:

“Who is the man who fears the LORD?
Him will He instruct in the way that He should choose.
His soul shall abide in well-being,
And His offspring shall inherit the land.

“The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him,
And He makes known to them His covenant.
My eyes are ever toward the LORD,
For He will pluck my feet out of the net….

“O, guard my soul, and deliver me!
Let me not be put  to shame for I take refuge in you.
May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for you…”

I commend this two-step game plan to you whatever you’re facing in the New Year—find encouragement in the Lord and inquire for His direction.  And may He restore your soul and direct your steps.

God Bless,
–LS