I Encourage Myself

Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

David’s example in this passage is a tremendous testimony to the heart of a worshiper who is fully engaged with the Lord through prayer and obedience. David's response to the catastrophic events he faced was not natural, but supernatural – an outgrowth of a daily life of devotion. When he might have resorted to self-defense, depression, despondency, deflecting, accusing, and sulking, he teaches us to go to the secret place and seek the mind of Christ. When others were demanding immediate action, David waited and prayed. When he could have sought man’s advice, David inquired of the Lord. The relationship with God he had cultivated in his daily life became his salvation in the crisis, and so must it be with us all.

That which is inside us comes out when we are pressed. If we are filled with the Spirit of God, we will respond with prayer, intercession, and wisdom in difficult times. If we are filled with fleshly and worldly motives, our response will be selfish and cowardly. If our hearts are pure, so will our speech and behavior be, for Jesus says, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38) The Lord would have us be prepared for the days of trial that surely lie ahead; and when everyone around us is distressed, may we, like David, encourage ourselves and those around us in the Lord our God.

Let's Pray - Father, I will seek your face for the strength I need, so that I may respond well in the moment of crisis. Teach me to turn to You and move at the Spirit's direction when I am tested. Amen.