Our Strength

 1 Samuel 19: 1 Chronicles 7; Psalms 59, Matthew 4 

“When David had fled and made his escape, he went to Samuel at Ramah and told him all that Saul had done to him. Then he and Samuel went to Naioth and stayed there. Word came to Saul: ‘David is in Naioth at Ramah;’ so he sent men to capture him. But when they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel, standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul’s men, and they also prophesied.”

1 Samuel 19:18-20 

When attacked, David returned to the spiritual authority who had called him; and together, David and Samuel went before the Lord. The anointing in the presence of the Lord was too strong for Saul’s men and even Saul himself. David chose to find refuge in the presence of the Lord because that was where God had ministered to him again and again; “…for you are my fortress, my refuge in trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God” (Psalm 59:16, 17). Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptation was to quote the truth of God’s Word; “…Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). That is why David and Samuel prophesied; it was their source of life that was renewing their strength. 

In the challenges and tests of life are we, too, finding refuge and strength in God’s anointing presence and living Word?

“Lord, you are my strength, for your glory.”