- Encouraging yourself in the Lord…
1 Samuel 30:3-4 So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep. Verse 6 tells us that “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” Ziklag was his home. It would be devastating to come home to the charred remains of your home, let alone discover that your wife and children had been kidnapped by the enemy. We don’t know exactly how David encourages himself, but we do know exactly WHO he looked to, the Lord! Perhaps he rehearsed God’s word. Perhaps he was able to recall God’s promises. It could be that he sang one of God’s songs in this night season. The key is this, he looked to the right source at the right time. So many in the time of trial give up, convinced that the enemy has won. Now, I will admit there are times when the enemy wins a battle here and there, but remember this, we’re on the winning side, and our God wins the war! Perhaps one of the hardest things to do in the time of defeat and discouragement is to see the BIG picture. I believe this is exactly how men like David and men like Job were able to go forward in the most trying circumstances. When the trials come, and they will, take time to look up! Looking around will discourage, but looking up to the Lord, taking hold of his word, will keep us keeping on til he comes. Lord, help us to encourage one another, and when it seems the trials are unbearable, and no one understands, to look to you, for you know exactly where we are, and exactly what we need. In Jesus name. Amen. Pastor