Encourage Yourself in the Lord

David was at his lowest point. He was running from Saul who sought to kill him. God had added to his life a group of men who had been abandoned and frustrated. They had worked well together as a team because of the leadership of David. He thought he finally found his tribe of people and life would be good. However, there was a tragedy where the enemy came in and stole their goods and took away their wives and children. The disgruntled men were so upset with David because of this. It was not David’s fault but I suppose they had to find someone to blame.

David knew the solution to the problem. He could not get the men to like him, but he could encourage himself in the goodness of God. He could put his praise on and take up harp and sing praises to the Lord. He knew God to be faithful and He knew God would never leave him nor forsake him. He decided to encourage himself by trusting in God and not looking to the anger of the men around him. In the midst of this encouragement, God gave him a way out and he went out and got their families back. They went to war with the enemy and won back what they had lost and more. They got the families back as well. There were some men who did not accompany them as they were weary, so the soldiers who had gone into battle felt that they should not share the spoils with those who stayed behind. Despite David’s heavy heart against the men, it did not cloud his judgement. He insisted that they share the spoils with all the men. This is the power of God working in a man or woman. The wisdom and counsel remains active in your heart so you can meet your needs and also provide for others.

Thriver’s remain encouraged in God, the presence of God is what keeps them.