SELF-ENCOURAGEMENT !

1 Samuel 30:6 AMPC

David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.


How much do you love and value yourself? We all need encouragement at some point in life, but too often we tend to look outside to others for encouragement when we could start it ourselves.

David was one man who knew how to look to himself before looking outwards. And David encouraged himself in the Lord! David strengthened himself in the Lord! This is one statement that looks so lacking yet so full and encouraging.

David didn’t have many people around him in this time of distress to encourage him, but he didn’t let that deter him from carrying on. Instead, he looked up to God for what man couldn’t give him. We quote this scripture, but how much of it has sunk in?

Everyone needs encouragement in life. All of us, at some point, will face a crisis that will make us crave external encouragement, but there are bound to be times when, with no one around or willing, we must get ourselves out of the crisis with the help of the Lord.

But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Rather than despairing over the destruction of Ziklag, David turned to God in prayer and worship, putting his trust completely in the Lord.

David went through a lot of crises—personal, physical, spiritual, and emotional—but at each point, there was someone available to encourage him, like his friend Jonathan did in 1 Samuel 23:16-17. But here, he had no one because the crisis was on everyone. They were in despair and needed someone as a scapegoat. Who better than David, their leader?

But David, having no one to turn to, with everyone against him, sought the Lord and spent time in His presence to receive the encouragement he so desperately needed.

I have gone through all kinds of crises, and there were times when I didn’t know how the Lord was going to pull me through, but He did. Sometimes, the Lord used the wonderful people He placed around me to encourage me. Other times, it may be a piece of music or worship, and often, it was a whisper through the scriptures. Regardless of what and how I received it, encouragement came from an external source.

There were other occasions when I couldn’t put words together to tell anyone what and how I felt. Those were the times I relied on myself, like David, to encourage myself in the Lord.

Self-encouragement is a powerful tool to help us navigate through tough times and stay motivated. Here are some examples of self-encouragement techniques:

Positive Affirmations: Repeating positive statements about yourself can boost your confidence and morale. 

"I am capable and strong."

"I can handle whatever comes my way."

"I am worthy of love and respect"1.

Remind yourself of times when you overcame challenges. This can help you realize your strength and resilience.

Whether we have the support of friends and loved ones when facing crises or face them alone (believe it or not, there will be times we all must face some things alone), take heart. God will always be there to empower and encourage us as promised in Psalm 23:4, so that we don’t face opposition alone. He’ll give us the courage and strength to go through them.

We must first trust Him and turn to Him in times of distress as David did. David and his company of six hundred men had been off serving in the military of King Achish of Gath and had left their wives and children in Ziklag unprotected. A raiding band of Amalekites, long-time enemies of Israel, came down on the village, captured the women and children, looted the place, and carried off everything of value, leaving nothing but rubbish behind.

This was the first time we hear of David’s men’s distress and discouragement. Why? Their wives, children, and properties had been damaged and taken. No wonder they were angry with David. We weren’t told that David lost heart but rather that he encouraged himself in the Lord. In the face of hostility, the threat of death, and defeat, he looked up to the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, I thank you for your word that uplifts and encourages. Help me to always seek the word and allow it to revive and encourage me in times of despair. In Jesus’ name, amen.

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/womenoflight/episodes/SELF-ENCOURAGEMENT-e2tu32b

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SHALOM


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