DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD

BARBARA E. PERKINS

DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD

David had to encourage himself in the LORD to survive in Ziklag.  Are you able to encourage yourself in the LORD in dire situations?  In 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) the word of God confirms this fact, “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.”  What follows could have been a normal day in the life of David, a man of war, but it wasn’t.  David and his army had gone from their encampment at Ziklag to assist the Philistines in battle.  But, because of a misunderstanding, David and his men were not allowed to participate the Philistines’ battle and returned home to Ziklag.  Upon returning they found that their children, wives and others had been taken captive.  In addition, their homes had been burned.  David and all his men wept in anguish until they were too exhausted to cry any more.  David was extremely distressed because his men wanted to STONE HIM.  BUT, DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD.  He sought the LORD about his situation and the LORD instructed David on how to rescue their families from the Amalekites and recover all that was taken from them (1 Samuel 30:18-19).  So, David recovered all!  Do you ever encounter situations in your life where you have to encourage yourself in the LORD, especially during adversity?  Sometimes there may not be anyone to pray with you, BUT THERE IS ALWAYS SOME ONE FOR YOU TO PRAY TOO AND TO RECEIVE ANSWERS TO YOUR PRAYERS.  HE IS THE LORD AND HIS SON IS JESUS THE CHRIST.  “…Jesus lives to intercede for us,” (Hebrews 7:25) and God’s word tells us “to come boldly to His throne so that we can find His mercy and grace to help us in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).  Thank God for hearing and answering our prayers (Isaiah 65:24 and John 16:23-24).  We saw God’s faithfulness in David’s life.  God will do the same in our lives (Acts 10:34).  In the book of Hebrews 13:5-6, we are reminded of what God said, “…I will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. ’So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.’”  In addition, we have to know that God doesn’t lie and nor does His Son, Jesus Christ (Numbers 23:19 and Hebrews 6:18).  Encourage yourself in the LORD and watch Him work in your life and the lives of your loved ones.  God is faithful and so is Jesus Christ!

Would you like to be saved and develop a relationship with God as your Heavenly Father?  If you would really like to know God, invite His Son, Jesus Christ, into your heart.  Please pray this prayer:  Dear God, please forgive me of my sins.  I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ is Your Son.  I believe that He died on the cross, shed His blood, and rose from the grave for my salvation.  I confess Jesus right now as my Savior and Lord.  God fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I can live a life that pleases You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!  If you prayed this prayer and meant it, based on Roman 10:9-10, you are saved.  Welcome into God’s Family!