Friday, April 5, 2013

Encourage Yourself!

"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" (1 Samuel 30:6, Amplified).

I felt prompted to give a word of encouragement to our friends and family. In the Scripture above, we read one of the keys to continued success in business and ministry.  It is evident that many are feeling the pressures that come with an active life. Family, work, relationships, finances, and a myriad of other challenges can bring us to a place of distress and heaviness at times. David was considered a great leader. In fact, to this day many regard him as one of the most outstanding leaders of all time. Yet, even David, the great man of God, was acquainted with feelings of distress and despondency.


David knew how to deal with the feeling of defeat. He knew where to turn in moments of confusion and despair.


It is interesting that David finds himself in this state of mind soon after experiencing success. It was declared that Saul had slain thousands, but David had slain tens of thousands. He was riding high on emotion. However, upon returning from the battle, David was informed that the enemy had come in and taken his wives captive. In fact, though none were slain, the wives and children of all his warriors had been taken! His followers threatened to stone the great leader. No wonder David was “greatly distressed.”


The example of David's story holds an important life-lesson to which each of us must give attention. The Scripture states, “But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”


As ministers, missionaries, managers, and leaders of varying degrees, we would do well to learn where to turn when we seem to be overwhelmed. David turned to God. He encouraged himself and found strength in the presence of the Lord. He most likely reminded himself of all that God had brought him through in times past. He may have spoken the promises of Jehovah. He lifted his voice in worship to his Creator.


We must follow this example as we continue in the fight. Life is full of challenges, and at times we may feel like giving up, giving in, throwing in the towel and shouting, “No mas!” God is calling us forward, never backward. If things need to be set in order, then we must do what needs to be done. However, we must remind ourselves that God’s goodness, grace, and glory are everlasting.


So never, never give up! Give no place to the enemy! Get into God’s presence and allow the anointing to bring strength and healing; then get up and go again, for God has called you to recover what the enemy has stolen. You can do ALL things through Christ who gives you strength!


Grace & Peace

Pastor Emory

5 comments:

Amber said...

Awesome post. Just what I needed to hear this morning!

Amber said...

Awesome post. Just what I needed to hear this morning!

Amber said...

Awesome post. Just what I needed to hear this morning!

Amber said...

Awesome post. Just what I needed to hear this morning!

Amber said...

Just what I needed to read today!