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ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF - PART ONE
ENCOURAGING NEWS FROM YOURSELF by Pastor Mark Taylor
“But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.”
(1 Samuel 30:6)
Discouragement is a feeling that comes upon many people at different times in their lives. discouragement is not a sin. It is not even a sign that you are in a place of sin. How we handle discouragement can affect us spiritually and physically.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalms 42:11).
John Wesley in his famous sermon called "Satan’s Devices" states that Satan has three main methods of discouraging the believer. He tries to Take away our joy; Attack our peace; Targets us especially in times of sickness and pain.
From studying the book of Psalms, we can discover a method David used to overcome discouragement. These principles can help us to encourage ourselves in our relationship with the Lord.
Understand that affliction or difficulty will come upon all people. Instead of asking God “Why?”, ask Him how can I use this problem to become a better person. The question should be “What is the meaning of this suffering?”
"But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions."
(2 Timothy 4:5).
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
First of all, be honest with the Lord. When you feel discouraged, share your true feelings with God. “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” (Psalms 145:18). Talk to him about your struggles which will become your first step to healing your discouragement .
"God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1)
Secondly, change your focus from the negative to the positive. One of the best ways to start moving into the positive is to start thanking God for what He has already done for you. We sing the song: “Count your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings and you will see what the Lord has done”. Use encouraging words to yourself and read and quote verses such as: “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever." (Psalms 107:). You must not allow messages such as “I can’t do anything right” and “I’m a worthless nobody” to torment you. Open His Word, and let Him teach you the truth about your life. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.” (Psalms 139:14).
Thirdly, focus on encouraging spiritual truths that speak to your situation. As children of God and believers in Christ, we have incredible spiritual blessings that cannot be taken away or destroyed. When life gets you down, remember to thank God for the benefits you enjoy because of your relationship with Christ. The Holy Spirit can guide you to encouraging promises that take on special meaning for your situation. “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalms 103:1-5).
Finally, put your hope in God – not in a particular outcome, another person, or even your own abilities. Although our families and friends can be wonderful resources in adversity, we must be careful not to place all our hope in them. People will disappoint us at times. However, our heavenly Father is always available to counsel us, provide strength, and work on our behalf. “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” (Psalms 34:18-19). Our Lord Jesus told us that even as Christians we would face discouragement and trouble, but not to give up. "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
In addition to these scriptural principles, I would like to give you some additional strategies that I use to encourage myself.
I find someone who has a need and I concentrate on helping them. This may be a visit to a nursing home, sending a letter to a shut-in or friend, or giving a love offering to a missionary or Pastor who is in another country and has great needs. When I need encouragement, I give encouragement. "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38).
I take time to walk or do some other physical activity to improve my health and get my mind off of myself. You can work in your yard or garden, wash and wax your car, or work on some hobby you enjoy. During these times, I will pray and let the Lord speak to me about His love for me and how much He cares for me. “I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.” (Psalms 116:1-2).
I find a quite place away from the TV and other distractions and rest and relax. We often spend too much time listening to discouraging news and negative messages from the media. Find a time to quit worrying about things you have no control over. “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.” (Psalms 37:7).
I make plans for the future instead of worrying about today. I set daily goals and long term goals to accomplish. This includes reading books, taking courses in things I enjoy, planning visits to friends and family. I use this scripture as a personal challenge: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead”. (Philippians 3:13). Most of all, just speak with the Lord about how much you love Him and how much you need Him and His power to make it from day to day and you will have a “Happy Holiday” and happiness following the holidays.
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10
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