Declaration 2022: The DevotionalsSample

Strengthen yourself in Lord

"David was in great danger; for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit for their sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6 -8

Oftentimes as men we become overwhelmed by the responsibility to not only work hard and maintain our material possessions but also to care for and protect the people we love. So when we feel as though we have failed in that responsibility, the weight of that failure becomes crippling. It is this weight that causes David and his men to lose their strength.

Though we may not always admit it and oftentimes try to hide it, there are times when we too lose our strength, however, these moments of weakness are not to be despised for they create an opportunity for God to show himself strong. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians; “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness..” The beauty in having a relationship with God is that you don't have to rely upon your own strength, might, and valor; as you can be like David and in your time of weakness lean on God and strengthen yourself in Him.

After David had strengthened himself in the Lord, he called upon Abiathar the priest to bring him the ephod. The ephod was a part of the ceremonial garment the priests were instructed by God to wear. When David puts on the ephod he is reclaiming his responsibility as a man, a husband, and a father to intercede for his family. In the times that we are living in it is imperative that men reclaim their responsibility to pray and cover their families.

God then instructs David to pursue his enemy and recover all that was lost. But David was not able to do that on his own; he had 400 men go with him. As men, we must recognize we are stronger together and we do not have to bear the weight of this world on our own, but with our brother's support and the strength of the Lord, in 2022, we will be able to bear what lies ahead.

Reflection:

• What takes your strength, and how do you spiritually strengthen yourself when you are feeling weak?
• As a man do you often feel as though you are fighting alone? Do you have supportive relationships around you?
• Pray for your family and cover those you love and care for.

By Pastor Agu Irukwu