It’s been said that there are two types of people: leaders and followers, who think they know how to lead.

David understood this all too well.

While not yet officially King of Israel, he still had been leading many men for some time. In this passage, he returned to the town of Ziklag to discover that it had been raided and many people, including his own family, had been kidnapped.

But, instead of looking to David for a solution, the people spoke of stoning him, though no reason is given.

David didn’t cause their trouble. But, because he was their leader, they took their grief out on him.

David’s response is helpful to any of us who have been called to lead — he strengthened himself in the Lord.

Leadership is a lonely business. Whether you’re a pastor, a manager, a coach, or parent, you’re often tasked with guiding others who don’t understand your burden and may judge or condemn you because you’re the most convenient person in the room.

That’s why leaders must strengthen themselves in the Lord. No one understands the burdens of leadership more than God. And you can find your strength to lead through Him.