ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD
ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD
By Evangeline Unityb Esaaba Folson
And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahemelech’s son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod. And Abiathar brought hither the ephod to David.
And David inquired at the Lord, saying, shall I pursue after this troop? Shall I overtake them?
And he answered him, pursue for thou shalt overtake them, and without fail recover all.
Another translation says:
———– But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.
How can you strengthen or encourage yourself in the Lord?
In the situation described in the passage above David and his men would be distressed and bitter. If they had not helped David they could have defended their families.
David was accused of being the cause of the disaster and his men wanted to stone him. He may have felt terrible and lonely but he decided to strengthen himself in the Lord. We can encourage or strengthen ourselves in the Lord by:
Taking consolation in the word of God.
Psalm 119:105
2 Timothy 3:16
2 Cornthians 2:14
Praying
Jeremiah 33:3 Matthew 7:7
James 5:16
Trusting the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 1:28
Ephesians 3:20
Taking consolation in the word of God
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
In the verse quoted above the psalmist is trying to say that the word of God gives him direction in his/her life. When he said he turns to the word of God. When he is sick, he turns to the word of God. When he has to choose a wife or career etc. he will turn to the word of God.
In King David’s situation, he was extremely sad and bitter. If you find yourself in a similar situation turn to Philippians 4:4,6,7.
4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say Rejoice
4:6-7 Have no anxiety about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 2:4
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to trumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savior of His knowledge by us in every place.
2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for connection, for instruction in righteousness.
The verse from 2 Timothy says all scripture all call directly from God and it has all the direction and instructions for every situation in our lives.
The verse from 2 Corinthians 2:4 says, God would always cause us to triumph or give us great victory in every challenge, therefore, we need not mourn, fret or worry because there is victory for us in Christ Jesus.
There is a song that says;
There is victory for me
There is victory for me
Through the blood of
Christ my savior
There is victory
For me
Praying
Jeremiah 33:3
Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
The verse from the book of Jeremiah is a call from God, talk to Him or pray always and He will give us the help and direction we need.
How does God do this?
When we call on God through prayer, He often responds by bringing to your memory or reminding you about a verse or passage in the bible concerning your situation.
For example, if you need direction on fasting, verses like:
Isiah 58:5-9
Which talks about what God wants us to do when we fast will come to mind.
Matthew 4:1-14
Might also come in mind to warn you in advance of the temptations you will face when fasting or after the fast.
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
This verse says we would receive when we ask. Therefore, if you need to encourage yourself in the Lord or strengthen yourself in the Lord, just ask God.
James 5:16
——————- the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
This emphasis is on the second part of the verse quoted above. The sincerity and honesty we attach to our prayers will “avail much” or yield great results. Earnestly ask God to strengthen you and He will.
Trusting the Lord
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path:
One woman of God, advised that when you are facing a challenge do not try to figure it out or understand it (Do not lean on your own understanding) turn everything over to God in prayer and He will guide you through the challenge to a successful end. Trying to figure it out or trying to understand it will only complicate issues. God knows best, so allow Him to guide you.
Philippians 1:28
And in nothing be terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident taken of and that of God.
I first heard this verse of scripture from the Bishop of Harvest Chapel International. Second important advice after not trying to figure out a challenge is:
Do not fear or be afraid as the verse above says. Expect and hope for salvation or deliverance from the Lord.
Ephesians 20:3
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that woketh in us.
Third important advice is to: Behave without any doubt that God is able to handle whatever comes your way, and wait patiently for His timing or move. As you wait, thank and praise him for the Victory He will give you.
Conclusion
I will like to end with the words of the song below:
God never fails, he never fails
God never fails
He abides with me
He gives me victory
For God never fails
Just keep the faith
And veer cease to pray
Just walk upright
Morning, noon day and night
He will be there
He will be there
There is no need to worry
For God never fails.
References
2. Google.com
