While David was off in battle, an enemy attacked his home base. They burned the city, taking everything as spoil. Those who were with David were angry at their loss. They wanted to stone David because of this defeat.

David as the leader of the people could have given up because the defeat was so great. David could have demanded that those who desired to stone him, be stoned themselves. He could have met rebellion with anger. However, David didn't respond in this way. He encouraged himself in the Lord.

We will all face times when our faith is shaken. We will face times when no one is standing with us. We will face times when the enemy seems to have the victory.We will face times when our situation looks hopeless. Where will we turn? What will we do?

David encouraged himself in the Lord. What does this mean? David remembered who God is. David remembered the promises God had made to him. He trusted the Providence of God to be in control of his situations. He trusted in the power of God. He was comforted by the knowledge of the Faithfulness of God.

As you walk with the Lord, there will be times when you seem all alone. There will be times when there is no one to turn to but God. There will be times when no one understands what you are experiencing. How will you respond when the defeat is great?