Encourage Yourself in the Lord
…David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)
This past week I encountered multiple individuals who are facing overwhelming situations. Their uncertainty, grief, and pressure are off the charts. I’m still struggling with how to best minister to them.
In talking about this with Gwen, she reminded me of a time when David, the “man after God’s heart,” faced his own devastating crisis. The way he responded is something we would all do well to emulate.
Most of us are familiar with some of David’s great successes. From the slaying of Goliath to the taking of the throne to the expansion of Israel’s borders. Highlights to be sure.
Yet David had his share of “lowlights.” One of the worst is recorded in I Samuel 30.
By way of context, David is on the run from the jealous persecution of King Saul. Ironically, he and his men are still fighting Israel’s enemies, even as they dodge Israel’s armies.
I Samuel 30 tells of an occasion when David and his men return from battle only to find that their home base has been sacked. Moreover, all of the wives and children (including his own) have been taken away as captives.
The text reads, “So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep…David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God.” (I Samuel 30:4-6)
The King James Version says he “encouraged himself in the Lord.”
How did he do that? We’re not told exactly, but we get a possible answer from the psalms he wrote during other painful times.
For example, in Psalm 42:11, David said: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." (Psalm 42:11 ESV).
Here David practiced some helpful “self-talk.” In a sense, he says to himself, “Wait a minute. Let’s not go down into the pit of despair. What do I know is still true about God and about me?”
Positive, biblically-sound self-talk is certainly a great place to start. But beyond that, practically speaking, how can we encourage ourselves in the Lord? Let me offer these suggestions.
Some Practical Suggestions
1. Build an intimate relationship with God.
David had nurtured a relationship with God since childhood. From the days of leading sheep from pasture to pasture, his was a life of complete dependency and absolute trust.
This is reflected in Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me…”
So how might we build such an intimate relationship? It doesn’t happen overnight.
A deep relationship with the Lord is built day by day, week by week, month by month through regular times of prayer, Bible study, and worship. Having that foundation strengthens our soul for the times when the wild storms hit.
2. Remember past victories.
I believe that David also strengthened himself by recalling occasions when God met him in great times of challenge and showed Himself strong. For example, consider his response to the challenge of Goliath: “I killed the bear, and I killed the lion. This Philistine will be like one of them.” (1 Sam. 17:36)
In remembering how he had gotten through past “impossibilities,” David found courage and confidence for the present “impossibilities.”
This is why journaling can be so powerful. In looking over past entries, we can see how God was faithful. And if we could survive then, we can survive again.
3. Create Scriptural signposts.
David wrote many of the psalms we’ve come to know and love. What we need to remember, however, is that they didn’t arise “out of the blue.” David didn’t sit down one day and say, “Maybe I better do some writing.”
No. His writing flowed from real-time experiences and struggles seen through the lens of the Scriptures he loved, meditated on, and memorized.
Look what he said in Psalm 119:92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.”
And again in Psalm 19:7, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”
David used the Scripture to encourage himself in times of trouble.
I can relate to this. I have a list of Bible verses that I’ve memorized. Some are doctrinal truths. Others are commands or warnings.
However, some of the most precious are those verses that I came across or were shared with me during hard times. These powerful words of Scripture buoyed my spirit and gave me confidence.
Verses such as…
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7)
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10)
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18)
Such texts became signposts, reminders of the Lord’s presence and power.
I hope that when you go through dark days you will be encouraged by God’s people. But the fact is, they cannot be with you 24/7. That’s when you will need to encourage yourself in the Lord. And, as you do, you will make it through.
By the way, if you’re curious about how the story of David and his men ended, having encouraged himself in the Lord, David was able to rally his men, and they pursued the raiders. Surprising them, David’s troops were victorious in a brief battle and rescued ALL of the hostages.
It’s a great reminder that even when things appear so bleak, God can move powerfully through those who determine to trust Him.
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