Sometimes when discouraged or troubled, we are encouraged through a friend, a pastor, or a worship service. At other times, we need to follow David’s example and strengthen ourselves in Yahweh. At the moment in history recorded in today’s verse, David, future King of Israel, chosen by God, hero of the faith, found himself greatly distressed and alone. Men who supported David and fought with him returned from battle to find their families taken hostage to somewhere unknown and their belongings plundered. In that moment of overwhelming loss, their hearts were not with David. 

In this terrible reality, David did not have the solution. He strengthened himself, not by willpower but in Yahweh his God. Based on reading the psalms David wrote throughout his life, it is likely that he poured out his distress to God (Psalm 13). He remembered aloud that power and steadfast love are the character of God (Psalm 64), he remembered God’s faithfulness in the past and testified that when cords of death entangled him, God came to his rescue in a miraculous way. (Psalm 18). He reminded himself that the best place to be is in God’s presence. (Psalm 84) Read the rest of Samuel chapter 30 to learn how the Shepherd of David’s soul brought him through this particular valley.

The purpose of encouraging ourselves in the Lord is to remind our souls that God is in charge of the universe and of us. He is the loving, powerful Shepherd. Praying or singing from the Psalms can be helpful. If repentance is needed, repent. (Psalm 51) David looked forward to the coming of Jesus the Messiah in several of his psalms. And now, Jesus has come! Jesus promised, “I will not leave you alone.” (John 14:18-19) Those who have been reconciled to God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus can say with faith and hope, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge.” (Psalm 57).

Dear Heavenly Father,

I admit that my first thought when going through struggles isn’t always to encourage myself with Your Word. I sometimes tend to mumble and complain about a situation beyond my control, rather than crying out to You. I ask that You give me Your wisdom during those times and help me to remember to strengthen and encourage myself by reaching up to You. I praise You for always being ready and willing to help me in my times of need. I give You glory and honor. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Encourage yourself in the Lord today, remembering, like David, the steadfast love and character of God and His faithfulness throughout every facet of your life. Make this a daily habit so that when life is hardest and you are at your lowest, it will come naturally to encourage yourself in His Word and through prayer and praise.