Finding Strength

David was now in great danger because all his men were very bitter about losing their sons and daughters, and they began to talk of stoning him. But David found strength in the LORD his God. Then he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring me the ephod!” So Abiathar brought it. Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!” 1 Samuel 30:6-8

IN 1 SAMUEL 28, we learn that Saul was in difficult circumstances and desperate to know what to do. Samuel had spoken for God to Saul, but now Samuel was dead. Saul had slaughtered all but one of the priests in a murderous rage, so there was no priest to go before God to inquire on his behalf. So what did Saul do? He sought help from a medium, a woman who called on the dead.

At the same time, David was also in difficult circumstances and desperate to know what to do. The Amalekites had raided his camp and carried off the women and children. In their grief, David’s men were looking for someone to blame and began to talk about stoning David. But rather than seek help from a medium, “David found strength in the LORD his God.” David called the only living priest and sought out God’s voice by means of the priestly ephod. We don’t know exactly how the process worked, but we know he received God’s answer.

When we’re desperate to know what to do with and for our kids, we can consult counselors, read books by parenting experts, and talk to our friends. But while we might get some ideas or strategies from them, none of these resources can provide us with the insight or power most necessary. We need the wisdom that comes from God’s Word, the divine power that comes to rest on us when we are joined to Christ by faith, and the peace that is found only in resting in the promises of God.

Lord, I’m so grateful for the wise counselors you’ve given us —the caring friends, the excellent models, and the many other resources that give us direction on this parenting journey. But we don’t want to depend primarily or solely on these things. We are wholly dependent on you for the strength we need to parent ________ over the long haul. It’s your wisdom we seek.