Encourage Yourself in the Lord
1 Samuel 30:6 tells us, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God,” (KJV). Prior to this exact verse, we read that when David and his men arrived to the town of Ziklag, they found that it was burned and their families were taken into captivity. In this moment, David didn’t immediately say, “I trust in God. My faith is strong. He will make a way where there seemeth to be no way.” David and his men wept (v.4) and they continued to weep until they had no more power within them to weep anymore. David was greatly distressed (v.6) [distressed:extreme anxiety, sorrow, pain] yet he encouraged himself in the Lord (v.6). Some versions of the Bible state that David found strength in the Lord (NIV & NLT)); David strengthened himself in the Lord (ESV); David felt strengthened and encouraged in the Lord (AMP). David strengthened himself with trust in the Lord (MSG).
David allowed himself to feel the emotions of discouragement, disappointment, sadness, and pain. He didn’t ignore those feelings. He didn’t act like everything was good. He expressed himself to show that he too was human and that it is completely natural to have that moment. That is what a real relationship with our Heavenly Father looks like. We will experience trouble in this world (John 16:33). We will go through things that can weaken our faith and question God. And what God desires of His children is complete transparency, honesty, and vulnerability. Be honest with God. Let Him know your hurts. Let Him know your frustrations and what is causing you to feel overwhelmed and feel stressed. Let it all out. True healing, victory, and freedom come not when we keep pushing through but when we can acknowledge our pain and seek the Lord for help just as David did. God reminds us in His Word that pain doesn’t last. Even though you may be weeping now and are going through, joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). You may be thinking of your life circumstances and you may not see a way out but just like David, as you are going through, you have to encourage yourself in the Lord. That’s how you will make it to the other side.
One of the best ways I know how to encourage myself is by singing songs that remind me of who God is and all of His capabilities. Right now, I am facing a difficult situation which has brought nothing but tears but through the tears, I have been singing these 4 particular songs that you will see below over and over until the presence of God calms me and quiets the storm within. You cannot allow your situation to have power over you. It may be hard for you where it just feels like you a hitting a brick wall everywhere you turn and you almost feel lost. In your darkest hour, that is when you have to learn to pick yourself up. Sing an uplifting faith-filled song. Find a Bible verse. Journal. Take a walk. Rest. Do what you have to do to strengthened yourself in the Lord so that you can be ready to receive what He has for you in due season if you faint not (Galatians 6:9).
God Has a Way by Carlene Davis
God has a way of working it out,
Everything that you’re worried about.
So don’t be discouraged and don’t ever doubt,
’cause God has a way of working it out.
God Will Work it Out by Maverick City
Before I knew my name
Before I drew a breath
He was making ways for me
Now and everyday
In each and every step
He is making ways for me
When my heart is full of doubt
Feels like faith is running out
I’ve come too far to turn around
I know
God will work it out
God will work it out
One thing I know
One thing I’ve found
God will work it out
Trust in God by Elevation Worship
I trust in God
My Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
I trust in God
My Savior
The One who will never fail
He will never fail
He didn’t fail you then
He won’t fail you now
Oh
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
I sought the Lord and He heard and He answered
That’s why I trust Him
That’s why I trust Him
God on the Mountain by Lynda Randle
Life is easy
When you’re up on the mountain
You’ve got piece of mind
Like you’ve never known
But things change
When you’re down in the valley
Don’t lose faith,
For you’re never alone
For the God on the mountain
Is still God in the valley
When things go wrong
He’ll make them right
And the God of the good times
Is still God in the bad times
The God of the day
Is still God in the night
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