Encouraging Yourself In The Lord

Life often presents us with moments of overwhelming despair and loss, times when our strength seems completely drained and hope feels distant. In those seasons, the question arises: where do we find the courage to keep moving forward? The story of David in 1 Samuel 30:1-6 offers profound insight into this very question. David, faced with devastating loss and the threat of rebellion from his own men, found a wellspring of strength not from himself or others, but from the Lord. This article explores how we too can learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord, drawing on faith, the renewal of our minds, and the unshakeable promises of God to overcome adversity.

The Context: David's Crisis at Ziklag

David and his men returned to their town of Ziklag after being away on a mission, only to discover it had been raided by the Amalekites. Their homes were burned, and their wives, sons, and daughters were taken captive. The devastation was so profound that David and his men wept until they had no strength left to cry. The men were so bitter and angry over the loss that they even talked about stoning David, blaming him for their predicament.

David was in an extremely difficult position. His leadership was questioned, his family was taken, and his men were bitter and ready to rebel. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the scripture tells us something remarkable: David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. This is a powerful lesson on where true strength originates in times of crisis.

Why Encouraging Yourself in the Lord Matters

Often, when we face hardships, our first instinct is to seek comfort from others or to try to rally ourselves through sheer willpower. However, just like David, we find that human strength and external encouragement can only carry us so far. The key is to draw strength from God, who is faithful and unchanging.

David’s example shows us that encouragement is not merely a fleeting feeling or momentary pep talk; it is a deliberate act of inner fortification. The original Hebrew word translated as "encouraged" means to strengthen or to make firm. It is about intentionally renewing your spirit by focusing on God’s promises and character, even when your circumstances look bleak.

Grief, Anger, and Bitterness: The Emotional Landscape

In the aftermath of loss, emotions such as grief, anger, and bitterness often surface. David’s men were bitter and angry, blaming him for their suffering. This reaction is common because grief is often entangled with anger—why did this happen to me?—and bitterness, which can poison our hearts if left unchecked.

Recognizing these emotions is important because they can either trap us in despair or propel us toward healing. David chose the latter by turning to God, refusing to succumb to bitterness or despair.

Drawing Strength from God's Covenant Promises

One of the most profound reasons David could encourage himself was his understanding of God's covenant—a binding, faithful promise between God and His people. David drew strength not just from any Lord, but from Yahweh, God's covenant name, emphasizing a personal and unbreakable relationship.

God’s covenant promises are eternal and unchanging. Psalm 119:89 declares,

“Forever, O Lord, your word is settled in heaven.”

This means no matter what storms or trials come our way, God’s promises remain intact. Our circumstances may try to shake our faith, but the covenant of God never fails.

 

Encouraging ourselves in the Lord is an act of faith that transcends appearances. Even when the situation looks hopeless, we choose to trust God’s character and His promises. Psalm 23 reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, God’s presence sustains us.

The Role of Renewing the Mind

Renewing our mind is central to receiving encouragement from the Lord. Romans 12:2 exhorts us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern God’s will—good, pleasing, and perfect—even in difficult circumstances.

Renewal means a complete renovation of our thought life. Just as renovating a kitchen or bathroom refreshes a home, renewing our minds refreshes how we perceive and respond to life’s challenges. It involves deliberately changing thought patterns from despair and fear to hope and trust in God.

The mind is a battleground where discouragement often takes root. Negative thoughts can come unbidden, especially when we are vulnerable. Meditation on Scripture is a powerful weapon against these lies. As Joshua was commanded to meditate on God’s Word day and night, so must we immerse ourselves in God’s promises to keep our minds aligned with truth.

Prayer: The Divine Exchange for Peace and Strength

Prayer is a vital part of encouraging ourselves in the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs us not to worry about anything but to present our requests to God through prayer and thanksgiving. This attitude shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and faithfulness.

Thanksgiving in prayer is crucial because it acknowledges that God’s promises are already fulfilled. We pray not as beggars uncertain of the outcome but as children confident in their Father’s love. This faith-filled prayer brings about the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guarding our hearts and minds against fear and discouragement.

This peace is not the absence of conflict but a deep tranquility rooted in God’s abiding presence. It acts as a filter, protecting us from invasive, negative thoughts and enabling us to stand firm in faith.

Prayer as the Work, Not Just Preparation

Prayer is often misunderstood as merely preparation for action, but it is the work itself. It activates our deliverance and strengthens us internally. When we cry out to God, He hears us and dispatches His help immediately, even if we don’t see the answer right away.

Like Daniel in the Bible, we might wonder if our prayers are effective or if God is listening, especially when answers seem delayed. But the truth is that spiritual battles often delay visible results. The enemy tries to block our breakthrough, but God’s angels surround and protect us, ensuring His promises are fulfilled.

Remembering God's Faithfulness Builds Endurance

Encouragement grows when we recall how God has been faithful in the past. Lamentations 3:22-23 says,

“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

 

God’s covenant loyalty and steadfast loving kindness mean that no matter how many times we falter or fail, His mercy is fresh and abundant each day. This assurance empowers us to endure trials, knowing that God’s faithfulness is reliable and eternal.

Just like the three young men in the fiery furnace, who trusted God’s covenant even in the face of death, we can have confidence that God is with us in our own fiery trials. His presence sustains us, and His promises mean we will not perish.

Building Momentum of Faith

Reflect on the times God has come through for you. Use those memories to build momentum and faith for the challenges ahead. If God has been faithful before, He will continue to be faithful. His mercies are new every morning, providing fresh strength for each day.

Sometimes, we feel drained and ready to give up, but God’s grace is sufficient to replenish our stamina. Our purpose remains intact, even when circumstances blind us. The challenges we face often indicate the magnitude of our purpose, and God refuses to let us die in the valley of despair.

Encouragement Leads to Courageous Action

Encouragement in the Lord is not passive. It empowers us to take bold, courageous steps rooted in God’s presence. Joshua 1:9 commands,

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

 

God’s abiding presence means we are never alone. Even when we feel isolated or overwhelmed, God is right there, ready to guide and strengthen us. This assurance transforms internal strength into practical action, enabling us to face challenges without fear.

Faith that encourages leads directly to action. Like David, who after encouraging himself in the Lord, took decisive steps to reclaim what was lost, we too must move beyond passive waiting. It’s time to act on the strength God provides, stepping out in faith to fulfill our purpose.

Moving Forward Boldly

Encouraging yourself in the Lord means choosing to draw strength from His Spirit daily. It involves renewing your mind with Scripture, guarding your heart through prayer and thanksgiving, and remembering God’s unending mercy and covenant faithfulness. When you do this, you can move forward boldly, confident that God is with you every step of the way.

Don’t let fear, discouragement, or past failures hold you back. God has equipped you with everything you need to overcome and thrive. Step out in faith, knowing that His grace is enough, and His promises are sure.

Conclusion: Choose to Encourage Yourself Today

Encouragement is a choice—a daily decision to renew your mind, lean on God’s covenant promises, and take courageous action despite your circumstances. Like David, you can find strength not in yourself or others, but in the Lord your God. His faithful love never ends, His mercies are new every morning, and His presence goes with you wherever you go.

Today, choose to encourage yourself in the Lord. Draw on His strength through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and thanksgiving. Remember His faithfulness in your life and move forward boldly, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient and His promises are sure.

Be blessed and refreshed as you walk in the strength of the Lord.