Secrets to victory in the lowest of low times!

“As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food
day and night.” (Psalms 42:1-3)

This Psalm was written in a unique and trying time in King David’s life. His son, Absalom attempted to overthrow him and obtain the kingdom from him. A calculated attack from his flesh and blood- his son. By flattering people and using his charisma, he stole people’s hearts. People and many of the trusted friends, advisors, and leaders in the kingdom turned away from king  David and went to his camp. The historical account is in 2 Samuel 15. Absalom led a successful coup against David by conspiring a large number of people on his side. Finally one day a messenger came to David and said, the hearts of the men of Israel already went with Absalom. David had to flee from his kingdom and palace for his safety and life. He said, “Arise and let us flee, for otherwise none of us will escape from Absalom.”

You see, David lost all – the kingdom, his home, trusted friends, and advisors. David was at the lowest of low points in his life. I do not know if anyone of us faced such a traumatic time like this in our lives. All lost- I know one other person and he is Job in the Bible. David was at the top of the mountain of blessings with God. The next day he lost all. His son orchestrated all this evil. David was thrown into the pit of despair, loneliness, and sadness.

What was the secret of David’s victory when he faced such difficult and trying times? Our today’s Bible insights show the secret of how he became an overcomer and came out of the tragic time victoriously. David, what was your secret? How did you go all the way down and come up again victoriously?

Our today’s insights say a simple truth -he ran toward God in the midst of his most painful time. I have seen many people in their difficult and troubled times, forsaking God and running away from loving God. I hope you are not of them. David did exactly the opposite. He says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? My tears have been my food day and night.” Are you in a similar condition of pain and sadness? Are your tears your food day and night? If God’s anointed, David,  had said his food was his own tears day and night, how about ordinary people like us? Are you pondering in your heart to leave the Lord of your hope and deliverance? Listen, your trial is the unique and God-approved one for your ultimate victory and for His glory. Nothing comes to us without divine approval. It was true about Job. It was true about David. It will be true about you as well. Run toward God as David did. Do not run away from God. David ran like deer pants for streams of water. He thirsted for God’s deliverance and help. He shared his deep-felt pain and compliance with God. He set his focus on God.

In other words, David knew who is in charge of all. He placed himself in the mercy, kindness, and deliverance of God. He trusted God in the midst of the severe storm and waited for Him to act on his behalf. David did not place his hope on his ability, other people, or circumstances. He simply ran toward God and truly threw himself to the mercies of God. He placed his hope on God.

The same will be the secret for your victory as you face heartbreaking troubles. Jesus said, “In Me, you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” If Christ Jesus is in you, He is the hope of glory and deliverance. Because He already overcame the world, he will help you to overcome your trials and troubles. The cardinal question is -do you have Jesus Christ in you? If you have not yet accepted Christ as your savior, you can do this now in a small prayer.

Beloved, got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I rush to you Lord because my hope of deliverance is in you only. I believe the words of Jesus that in Him I have peace and can overcome all my troubles. I believe Jesus died and rose again for all my sins. He paid for all of it by his blood. I invite him into my life. Lord, save me and grant me your deliverance that I may thank and praise you again. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.”