David and the Heart of God - Week 7: Strength

Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1-7, 1 Samuel 30 1-6, Psalm 23.

This teaching dives into Psalm 23, a Psalm written by David, and the evidence we see in his life of the heart of God. We will see insights into David’s faith that will provide incredible encouragement to our faith lives as well.

Have you ever been in a situation where everything seemed hopeless? Or have you ever come to a point where you feel that you’re all alone? No one to turn to, no one to help you? There is much to learn from David’s life that reveals where genuine strength comes from.

David again is in need of escaping Saul and returns to the Philistine territory. The king of Gath, Achish, gives David the town of Ziklag, along the southern portion of the Philistine Empire along the coast of the Mediterranean.

About a year and four months into living in Ziklag, David returns from a meeting with Achish, to find his town of Ziklag destroyed by fire and his and his men’s wives, sons and daughters taken captive. They were devastated and their grief was so great they wept until they had no strength left to weep.

David faces a Life-Threatening Situation:
    ⁃    His men blame him for their loss and talk of stoning him; but David finds strength in the Lord his God.
    ⁃    David is abandoned, his men have turned on him, everything appears to be collapsing around him. He found strength in the Lord.
    ⁃    How did David find strength when there was no one else to turn to? David found strength because he knew the One we can always turn to.

We move into studying Psalm 23, written by David. Pastor shares a personal testimony of finding strength in this psalm during a difficult time in his life.

PSALM 23 - David knew the Messiah was coming, the One in whom we find strength!

Verse 1 - God is the ultimate shepherd, the Good Shepherd, the One who can always be relied upon and  in this psalm, David realizes he is not alone. And the Shepherd provides us with anything and everything we need (John 10:11).

Verse 2 - David understood that sheep need a shepherd to guide and lead them (John 7:37).

Verse 3 - Our Shepherd gives us hope, a future, assurance and righteousness (received by God’s grace). We receive strength to face difficulty, to leave the past behind, walk in a way that gives glory to God (John 14:27).

Verse 4 - Even in the darkest day, we do not need to be afraid. We are to rely on our Shepherd who guides and protects us (John 14:6).

Verse 5 - David knew that even in the face of the most persistent and evil enemies, God provides and God strengthens and restores us and gives us all that is needed (John 6:35).

Verse 6 - David understood that life is short, and he knew that eternity is forever. He knew that what God promises His own, is that we will be raised on the last day and will live forever with Him. Our troubles are momentary and God IS faithful, He will deliver His own, and He will restore His people and that day is coming when evil will be defeated and righteousness will reign forever (John 11:25).

We can rely on our Good shepherd with absolute confidence. David understood that, David found his strength in the Lord, his God, in the One who will fulfill everything He has promised in our lives.

Now What? Learn about God at https://www.awakeusnow.com EVERYTHING we offer is FREE.

Check out this video series from our website: https://www.awakeusnow.com/david-and-gods-heart

Join us Sundays 
https://www.awakeusnow.com/sunday-service

Watch via our app. Text HELLO to 888-364-4483 to download our app.