1 Samuel 30:6 David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.
Emotionally strong relationships are built with transparent communication, empathy, trust, affection, care, respect and healthy boundaries. Loneliness and isolation would affect our mental, emotional and physical health. To enjoy a better quality of life it is important to build trust worthy connections and genuine relationships. Studies have proven that those who have strong relationships have high self-esteem and more empathy towards others. They seldom suffer from depression, anxiety or insomnia. Emotional wellbeing starts with our relationship with the Lord. In fact, even if people whom we love, trust and serve let us down, we will not be disheartened. The secret to remain emotionally strong in disappointing situations is to tap into the divine source, the Lord Jesus Christ.
David and his men returned from a military venture only to find their wives, children and their possessions missing. In that crisis, David’s best friends and close family turned against him. The Amalekites had taken captive the women and children, both young and old and had burnt down their town, Ziklag. David’s wives and children had also been taken captive but the other men in their anguish blamed him for their loss and were conniving to stone David! David was depressed about his family and distressed by the fiendish animosity of his friends yet, he remained emotionally sturdy as he found his strength in the Lord.
Drawing emotional strength from the Lord would give us the strength to overlook the weakness of others and will make us empathetic and gracious. If we don’t draw emotional strength from the Lord, we will be controlled and emotionally manipulated by the opinions, behaviours and expectations of others.
Emotional Wellbeing:
1. Standard: Jesus is our standard and role model. The expectations of others should never be our standard. We must respond to any challenges as Jesus would. If the reactions of those around us influence us, we will lower our standards to get the approval of people. To remain emotionally strong, do what Jesus would do.
2. Security: Our security is only in our Saviour. It is not in our spouse, siblings or offspring. Those who are emotionally strong cannot be emotionally manipulated. They cannot be controlled by anger tantrums or maneuvered by threatening behaviour. When our security is anchored in the Lord, we cannot be emotionally manipulated.
3. Strategy: Jesus is our source to emotional stability. When distressed, go to Him in prayer. Do not complain about those who have hurt you but rather draw strength from Him. He will give you the strategy to overcome the trials and tribulations. If we allow the actions or reactions of others to influence our mind and mood, we will not receive the divine strategy to overcome the diabolical attacks.
‘Emotionally Strong’ are not manipulated by others but draw their strength from the Lord.
1 Samuel 30:6b But David found strength in the Lord his God.
Prayer: Father God, help me to live, act and respond to your standard and never be manipulated by the behavior of others. Amen.
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