June 30 - The Fruit Of Calamity.

Psalm 18:1
“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”
 
Now set to music, David’s song begins a little differently.
 
The most recognizable difference between 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18 is the addition of this one sentence to begin his song of deliverance.
 
The calamity he had faced had led to knowing and loving his Deliverer more. 
 
2 Samuel 22:29-31
“For thou art my lamp, O LORD: and the LORD will lighten my darkness. For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.”
 
David’s love for the Lord grew through the trials he faced. 
 
What if we looked at our trials that way…
If what we face makes us know and love the Lord more, is it not worth it?
 
It is easier to wait if we spend our time knowing and loving Him.
The pain is less felt when we are focused on Him. 
Suffering and affliction are valuable additions to our lives while we endure them we choose to turn to Him. 
 
David acknowledged the Lord was the Source of his strength. 
 
Psalm 28:7
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.”
 
He lovingly depended upon the Lord for his strength to carry on.
 
We can choose to do the same in our times of calamity.
In times of waiting, love Him.
In times of discouragement, praise Him.
In times of suffering, seek Him.
In times of doubt, trust Him.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Chronicles 15-16   |    Colossians 4