2 Sam 4 - The Source

Here's a great thought today from a friend of mine who wrote about 2 Samuel 4:1, "When Ish-Bosheth son of Saul heard that Abner had died in Hebron, he lost courage, and all Israel became alarmed."

What is our source of strength and conviction? As we saw in 2 Samuel 2, Abner anointed Ish-Bosheth. His power base was narrow, his legitimacy was tenuous and he drew his strength from a relationship with one man. When Abner died, Ish-Bosheth became exposed.

David by contrast spent 20 years earning the trust of a broad group of people, through his words, deeds and sacrifice. More importantly, he drew his strength from God. As circumstances changed, his source of strength did not.

I am reminded this morning to focus on where my strength comes from. Realize that my strength does not flow from the favor of one man, from a position or from a title. My strength flows from relationships built over many years, the support of people who know my character and competence and most importantly, from my relationship with my Father. I must be ever mindful of Philippians 4:6&7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

When we realize the source of strength, we can have confidence that the well in which it comes from is deeper than life itself. We can trust in that pursuit, in prayer, in thanksgiving, in the discipline and the effort. The pursuit is worth our full effort and we will find that the reward is even more strength... in Him.