Are
you discouraged? It’s time to be encouraged! David, the writer of
most of the book of Psalms, knew discouragement. “My strength is
dried up like a potsherd,” he cried, “and sticks to the roof of
my mouth” (Psalm 22:15a). But David also developed a valuable
trait. When there was no one to build his strength, David encouraged
himself in the Lord. “You hear, O Lord,” he declared, “the
desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their
cry” (Psalm 10: 17).
David
had faith that God would encourage him, and give him the strength he
needed for whatever he faced. “But you, O Lord, be not
far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me” (Psalm 22:19). Do
you seek to know that kind of faith? It is the kind of faith
that believes no matter what hardship surrounds you. It is the kind
of faith that sustains when fear threatens. It is the kind of faith
that trusts in His encouraging promise when all is dire and dark. It
is the kind of faith that hears the Lord’s encouraging voice when
there is no one else to encourage you.
“I
will declare your name to my brothers,” he promised. “In the
congregation I will praise you” (Psalm 22:22). Praising God before
others also increased David’s belief in God’s provision. “Through
Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of
praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
Speaking of God’s faithfulness increases your faith. Praising God
no matter what you face is a sacrifice. It is a sacrifice of praise
that can only come through faith in His unfailing love. God honors
your surrender by encouraging you.
If
you feel overwhelmed and face great discouragement today, it is time
to focus on His Word and learn of His faithfulness. It is time to
take all the energy that you place in worry, and place it in Him. He
rewards those who seek Him with their whole heart. You will be
encouraged when you look for Him like a drowning man needing rescue.
He is there just waiting to encourage your heart, your mind, your
spirit, and your life.
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