We are in the middle of an unexpected heatwave! What is so remarkable is the timing. Things began to warm up at the start of the school half term, which included a Bank Holiday Weekend, which was the hottest ever!

Thousands headed to the coast, whilst those who stayed at home enjoyed BBQs and hot and uncomfortable nights, unable to sleep!

I struggled on my weekend long run as by 9am it was already too hot! I got slower and slower as I covered the 10 miles, and when I got home drank plenty of water to rehydrate.

To be honest, it’s all a bit too much for me. I’ve avoided being out in the sun as much as possible, and I’ve not slept too well either. Everything just seems that little bit harder.

There are things in life that challenge all of us, and extreme heat is one for me! I have been reading about the life of David in the Bible. He went through various challenges in his lifetime.

On one occasion, he was a fugitive, and the town where he was living had been raided by his enemies, whilst he was not there. They had burned it and kidnapped the women and children.

When David’s men discovered this, they were highly distressed, and because they had been away with David at the time of the attack, some wanted to kill him. So what did David do? The Bible says…

“But David found strength in the Lord his God.”

— 1 Samuel 30:6 The NIV Bible

This is great and encouraging, as it teaches us that when we face challenges that we should be like David. However, it got me thinking, how do we find strength in God when we encounter difficult times? Here are two top tips:

Remember God’s faithfulness and promises

I wonder if David looked back over his life and the times when God had been there for him and helped him. When things are tough, look back and see when God was with you, and recall the promises of God that are in the Bible.

Seek God

The next verse tells us what David did, he sought God’s will! David pressed into God and asked what he should do. God spoke clearly and David did what God said.

When you face challenges, don’t take things into your own hands, instead bring the situation before God and ask Him what to do, then be obedient to it.

God bless you:)

Gary Bastin

Hope Community Church leader