2 Samuel 21-23; I Thess. 1

"When the Philistines were at war again with Israel, David and his servants with him went down and fought against the Philistines; and David grew faint." 2 Samuel 21:15

 

Once again there was a battle between the Philistines and Israel. David went down with his men to fight against the Philistines, and he became exhausted.  Ishbi-Benob, one of the descendants of Rapha, whose bronze spearhead weighed three hundred shekels and who was armed with a new sword, said he would kill David but Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. 

 

Have you had those days where you feel like David? Exhausted, but still in the middle of a battle?! David, the once valiant fighter and defeater of Goliath was now experiencing old age.  I'm sure David remembered when he once had the strength to keep up with the battle.

Sometimes our battles, whether physical pain or emotional pain, can pass quickly and sometimes the length of them are wearing.  Like David in this portion of scripture, we were not created to handle battles on our own. We were created for community. God brought David help, not in a sling shot like he had with Goliath, but through the help of another, Abishai.

 

We need others; We need encouragers and prayer warriors.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Whether you are in a position reaching for help or the one fighting on someone else's behalf, you can have guarantee that your spiritual relationship will be strengthened.  Yes, the battle does belong to the Lord but that means He will choose His strategy for the fight, including the use of others.

 

Next Reading:  2 Samuel 24; I Chronicles 21; Psalm 30; I Thess. 2