1 Samuel 30:3-6 (NKJV) So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. Now 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 his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
All of us will experience the highs and lows of life, including heartbreak and anger. This can leave us feeling blue, bummed out, frustrated, and oppressed. Common causes these days might include working in a toxic environment, being caught in a toxic relationship, going through a failed marriage or legal dispute, facing losses in our investments, or losing a job.
People respond to crises in very different ways. However, it is always wrong to resort to violence, self-harm, or venting anger on others through verbal or physical abuse. Some people may become irrational when distressed and overwhelmed; some will gather for a pity party, while others internalise everything.
Sometimes, a person may be in a state of depression due to clinical or biological factors, not the fault of anyone, or it could be a spiritual attack. We should always keep a lookout so we can spot and help those in need. Our love and action can help pull them up. Nobody will always be in a happy and joyous mood, but we can take comfort in finding strength and comfort in the presence of God.
Philippians 2:14 (NKJV) Do all things without complaining and disputing.
David’s men blamed him for the captivity of their spouses and children and complained and murmured. They even wanted to stone David for leading them into battle while the home base was destroyed and their loved ones taken captive. Divide and conquer is a common tactic of the devil. Therefore, we need to watch our attitude and spirit, especially during a crisis, to ensure we do not complain or engage in unnecessary disputes.
We tend to justify our complaints, murmur, and utter dissatisfaction when we are down or bummed out. What we don’t realise is that by repeating it, we build up negative vibes in our hearts because our words carry tremendous power. Likewise, our emotions are stirred up when we repeatedly murmur and complain. Unknowingly, we might slip into depression when we dwell too much on the negatives, the injustice, and the people who treated us unkindly. Slowly, the countenance changes as the mood changes, and it will affect every aspect of life. In contrast, faith builds up, and hope develops when we listen to the Word of God.
David responded rightly in the midst of his crisis. He neither blamed God nor gave in to bitterness. Instead, he found strength in the Lord.
Reflection: How have you seen the power of your words—positive or negative—affect your mood and emotional state? What is the Holy Spirit leading you to change about how you process anger and heartbreak?
Sermon Series： 2026 CG Campaign — Up Part 1
历经人生的起落
撒母耳记上 30:3-6 大卫和跟随他的人到了那城，不料，城敢火焚烧，他们的妻子儿女都被掳去了。大卫和跟随他的人就放声大哭，直哭得没有气力。大卫的两个妻——耶斯列人亚希暖和作过拿八妻的迦密人亚比该，也被掳去了。大卫甚是焦急，因众人为自己的儿女苦恼，说要用石头打死他。大卫却倚靠耶和华他的神，心里坚固。
我们所有人都会经历人生的起起落落，包括心碎与愤怒。这会让我们感到忧郁、沮丧、挫败和受压制。现今时代的常见诱因可能包括：身处有毒的工作环境中、陷入有毒的人际关系中、经历失败的婚姻或法律纠纷、遭遇投资亏损，或是失去工作。
人们面对危机的反应截然不同。然而，诉诸暴力、自残，或通过言语及肢体虐待向他人宣泄愤怒，永远都是错误的。有些人在极度痛苦和不知所措时会失去理智；有些人会聚在一起自怨自艾，而另一些人则会把一切默默隐忍在心里。
有时，一个人陷入抑郁状态可能是由临床或生理因素导致的，并非任何人的过错；这也可能是一场属灵攻击。我们应当常常保持警觉，以便发现并帮助那些有需要的人。我们的爱心与行动可以帮助拉他们一把。没有人能永远保持快乐和愉悦的心情，但我们可以在神的同在里找到力量与安慰，并以此为念。
腓立比书 2:14 凡所行的，都不要怨言，起争论。
大卫的部下因妻子和儿女被掳而归咎于他，并满腹怨言、议论纷纷。他们甚至想用石头打死大卫，责怪他带兵出征却导致大本营被毁、至亲被掳。分化并瓦解是魔鬼惯用的伎俩。因此，特别是在危机当中，我们需要留意自己的态度和心境，确保自己不发怨言，也不陷入无谓的争辩中。
当我们处于低谷或备受打击时，往往会为自己的抱怨、唠叨和表达不满找借口。然而我们没有意识到的是，通过不断重复这些话，我们正在心中积聚负面情绪，因为我们的言语带有极大的能力。同样地，当我们反复唠叨和抱怨时，我们的情绪也会被挑动。不知不觉中，当我们的心思过度纠结于消极面、不公的对待以及不善待我们的人时，我们就可能滑向抑郁。久而久之，随着心境的改变，面容也会随之改变，进而影响到生活的方方面面。相反，当我们聆听神的话语时，信心就会被建立，盼望也会随之增长。
大卫在危机中作出了正确的反应。他既没有埋怨神，也没有任由苦毒滋长。相反，他在耶和华里面重获了力量。
默想：你曾在自己的生命中，如何看到言语的力量（无论正面的还是负面的）影响着你的心情和情绪状态？在面对愤怒和心碎时，圣灵目前正引导你在处理方式上做出哪些改变？
讲章系列：天天向上! 细胞小组活动 2026 第一部分