This  is a word from Pastor Timothy Burdick, Minister of Abilities for Friday Study Ministries: "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6) Ask yourself, "How do I handle problems?" You may be facing death like David was. Or you may be going through something else earth shaking. Reread this verse in 1st Samuel and really ponder it, and then let’s talk about how it applies to your life and mine. It is important to note that David was a real person, and not just some kind of superhero. At first when listening to the people and their dire predictions, he was overwhelmed. But David did what we all can do: he made two deliberate decisions that we need to consider. First, he made the choice not to let his emotions rule him. Letting our emotions rule us is a trap that too many of us fall into. Living the emotional life is dangerous. Because If we are led by our emotions, we will always be a prisoner of our circumstances. The second decision that David made is one that God is asking you to make today. I promise you that it will be one of the most important decisions you have ever made. This choice is to take spiritual flying lessons, or if you prefer, to strengthen yourself in the Lord. Think of all that God has brought you through in the past, knowing that he will do the same in the future. By meditating on what God has said about you, rather than dwelling on the negative voices of other people, you to can fly above the cares that are holding you down. Last, look at verse eight in 1st Samuel 30, applying it to your life: “'And David inquired of Jehovah,' saying, 'If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them?' And He answered him, 'Pursue; for thou shall surely overtake them, and shall without fail recover all.'" While it may not be easy, by listening to God as David did, you to can surmount any problem, no matter how painful. You too can learn to fly above your circumstances. Contact me: Pastor Timothy, through Ron@FridayStudy.org Friday Study Ministries www.FridayStudy.org www.FirstChurchOnTheNet.org