Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. __ 1Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Be encouraged in hard and difficult times. Things will get better. The Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Be encouraged! Sometimes we have to do like David in the Bible did. We have to encourage ourselves.
David was greatly distressed, for the people talked of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit, each over his sons and daughters. But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. __ 1 Samuel 30:6 (MEV)
Instead of being down and out and holding his head down and looking for someone else to encourage him, David took out his harp and began to sing songs of praise to God. He probably didn’t feel like singing, but he did it anyway. Through praise and worship, David took his focus off of his problem and put his focus on the God of the universe. David knew where his help came from.
As David sang and praised the Lord, his spirit was lifted up above his circumstances. He began to realize that there is hope, God will make a way, and there is nothing too hard for God. When David began to praise the Lord, God came on the scene and began to strengthen his faith, build him up, and gave him hope.
That is what we have to do sometimes. We have to encourage ourselves. When we lift up the name of the Lord, the Lord will lift us up. In the end God will work everything out on our behalf, just like he did for David.
People will let us down sometimes, but be encouraged. Keep doing what you are doing. God loves you! Look to God, not people! Man will let you down, but God will never let you down. You can depend on God in good times and in difficult times. God is a good God and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He is always there for us at anytime, anywhere, and in any circumstance. All we have to do is to call on Him.
God will pick us up when we fall. The Bible says, “Cast all your care upon the Lord; for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). God is for you and He wants you to succeed in all that you do. The Bible also says that “We can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength” (Philippians 4:13). So when you are discouraged, encourage yourself in the Lord by praising Him and come out victoriously!
Prayer: Lord God, I thank You for being there when I need You. When I get discouraged, Help me to remember to encourage myself in the Lord while You work the situation out. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Copyright © 2016 by Miranda Burnette. All reserved.
