But David encouraged himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6 KJV).
Today’s scripture tells us that David encouraged himself in the Lord. While I had always found it easy to encourage others, I didn’t know how to encourage myself. Then one day when facing many discouraging situations, I noticed what David did in circumstances much worse than mine. Repeatedly he recited to God or to himself all the roles that God fulfilled in his life: his rock, his refuge, his fortress, his shield, the lifter of his head, etc.
With excitement mounting, I sat down armed with my Bible, pencil and paper. A few hours later I had a list of everything David had said God was to him, and I had found a way to encourage myself in the Lord.
Now when circumstances seem to be going against me, I begin to recite quietly to the Lord all the things that He was to David and has now become to me: “You are my rock; you are my shepherd; you are my strong right arm….” My heart never fails to be encouraged and my spirits lifted as I take my eyes off my problems and get them back on Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, that you are everything I need. Help me to put discouragement to flight by reciting who you are to me. Amen.
(Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page. Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)