I Samuel 30:6

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but DAvid encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

They had returned to find this worst nightmare come true. the enemy had come in while they was gone and taken all of their families and burned the city. Now in the heat of the moment there is only the emotional part that dictates the minds. But in the broad picture, we see God was getting ready to move David back and this was one way of securing that. If he has no home, return to his former home. The taking of his family was a test for DAvid to turn to the Lord and know that God's mercy was with him. For what enemy takes the innocent and touches them not, only the protection of the Lord could have done this? And David was greatly distressed - it seems to be the lowest point for David; Any man, that is a true man, would say, 'Afflict me, attack me; but don't touch my family.' Out of love we would face anything for their protection and deliverance. It is a helpless feeling, and his distress was great. For the people spake of stoning him - the loss of his famiy was not enough, SAtan egged on the people to turn against him; He had brought them here, he had lead them out, and the people cast blame at his feet over their families being taken. In the midst of such emotional turmoil, hasty words are uttered and frugal intentions are spoken. Stone him? He was the Lord's anointed, who could have said such a thing. Yet in the midst of our life, we utter perverse things as well, "Get rid of them"; "I never want to speak to you again"; which shows foolish conversation instead of sound wisdom. He who posesses his tongue is considered wise. Becasue the soul of all the people was grieved - each for his own sons and daughters; What a sad plight is before us to see them return to the city and consider the reality of it. The fear of never seeing their loved ones again; the fear of them being slaves; the frustration that had they been there, this would never have happened. All these are things considered and weighed, and always our hearts perceive the worst scenario. But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God - when the bottom falls out, turn to the Lord; 'Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith'. The question for so many is,'How do I encourage myself?' many look to other people for encouragement; yet, we read that the people spoke of stoning David, he had no one there to encourage him. It is blessed to have saints around to encourage us in such times of despair and turmoil. But what to do when no one is there? The first thing is to remember Who the Lord is; 'He is the Lord God Almighty'; ' Nothing is too hard for Him'; 'His ways are perfect and there is not evil nor mistakes'; 'all things work together for good to them that love God'. these phrases and verses are to remind us that God knows and sees what is going on, this is not a surprise to Him, even though it may be to us. Secondly, He is able to help, deal and lead us in the right way. Trusting Him is depended on how much faith you have. WEak faith will question and accuse God, great faith with patience will endure and surrender to His will for His glory. This self encouragment is anchored in knowing God's word and knowing God Himself and prayer. These two things working together allow for one to say, "The Lord gave and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord. And in all this he sinned not." If there is a resentful spirit about the circumstances, people or God then know that there is no encouragement to be found, only animosity. The absence of God's word in our hearts, memorized in our minds and rehearsed for such times will lead to despair and depression for we do not know Him nor His word. The sin of inability to pray and pray rightly will lead to failure to be encouraged as well. Praying for our selfish ends is asking amiss and not to be rewarded by God. Encouraging ourselves in the Lord is waiting upon Him, and again, remembering that His ways are perfect. For many, and I dare not say all the time, God will speak a word to help us and aid us. Know that David enquired of the Lord and the Lord told him that all would be recovered and restored. Who else can do this but God? Thsi is learning to encourage oneself, in the Lord.