Posted by Pastor Mary Whitaker
June 27, 2011
"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of the people was greived, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD."
1 Samuel 30:6
Can you imagine what went through David's mind as he stood over the burning ruins of his home, not knowing whether his family was dead or alive. To make matters worse, David's closest associates were blaming him for the tragedy.
He is no longer the giant killer whose praises are being sung by admiring crowds.
He is no longer the mighty man of faith and vision, looked upon with respect and love.
He is in total rejection, on the verge of being stoned as a failure.
David stands alone, stripped and confused -- in total despair.
Where shall he go for comfort? To whom shall he turn for encouragement?
God allowed this crisis in David's life… a crisis that would force him to seek an answer within himself.
Could it be that God is allowing the trials in your life to teach you a lesson... Oh my sisters how blessed we are when we learn to "Encourage Ourselves in the LORD."
We all face battles in this life which could so easily cause us to worry and lose hope. But instead of living in self-pity or giving up, I pray you will remember the source of your strength... the Almighty God.
My sisters in Christ -- I beseech you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to open your eyes to the mighty power of God at work in you and for you. Begin to appropriate the fullness of life - nothing missing & nothing lacking- we have because of our relationship with Christ. No matter what fiery furnace we may be cast into, No matter how deep the waters that threaten to cover us, or how low the valleys, our Lord and Saviour has promised He will walk through them with us.
Discouragement will tell you that you have nothing going for you and everthing going against you. Encouragement says you have everything going for you and it does not matter what you have going against you, because GOD is on your side! God wants you to be encouraged and He had given you the means by which you can encourage yourself in Him. Recognize that you do not have to stay discouraged. It may come, but you do not have to let it stay.
If you know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, you are in covenant with God and He is on your side. David pressed in on the benefits of his covenant relationship with God. In Psalms 103:2-3, He encouraged himself by remembering God's benefits. Stop giving voice to your discouragement and start speaking words of encouragement over yourself.
The question is: Will we encourage ourselves in the Lord as David did? It is your choice!
I pray you are encouraged by this message. I Look forward to hearing from you.
Blessings & Love,
Pastor Mary
