Encourage Yourself in the Lord

Hey, y’all!

Ever had one of those days when everything seems to go wrong? I mean, everything. The kind of day where you just want to pull the covers over your head and say, “I’m out.” Life can hit hard, and sometimes it feels like there’s nobody around to lift you up or give you a pep talk. But here’s the thing: you don’t always need someone else to encourage you. Sometimes, you’ve got to do what David did—encourage yourself in the Lord.

In 1 Samuel 30:6, David was having one of the worst days of his life. He and his men had returned to their town, Ziklag, only to find it burned to the ground. Their families had been taken captive, and everyone was grieving. To make matters worse, David’s own men turned on him and were talking about stoning him. It doesn’t get much lower than that.

But in the middle of that mess, we read this little line of hope:

“But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”

Let’s talk about what that means and how we can do the same when life kicks us in the teeth.

When Nobody Else Can Encourage You

David was completely alone. The people who usually had his back were now ready to blame him for their troubles. Can you imagine the despair, the loneliness? But instead of giving in to fear or self-pity, David turned to God. He didn’t wait for someone to come pat him on the back; he went straight to the source of his strength.

Sometimes, the only person who can encourage you is you. And that’s okay. Because when you turn to God, you’re tapping into a source of hope and strength that never runs dry.

Challenge: Next time you feel like there’s no one to lift you up, pause and remind yourself: “I can encourage myself in the Lord. He’s got me.”

Remember Who God Is

When David encouraged himself, I imagine he started by reminding himself who God is. Maybe he thought back to the time he faced Goliath, or how God had protected him when Saul was hunting him down. He probably reminded himself that God is faithful, powerful, and loving.

When you’re in despair, one of the best things you can do is focus on who God is, not just what you’re feeling. God is still your protector, your provider, your peace. He hasn’t changed, even if your circumstances have.

Action: Write down three things you know to be true about God. When you’re feeling down, read them out loud and let them remind you of His character.

Speak Truth Over Your Situation

David didn’t just sit in his despair. He spoke truth over his situation. He reminded himself that God was bigger than his troubles. There’s power in speaking God’s truth to yourself, even when your feelings are shouting something else.

Psalm 42:5 says, “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.” Sometimes, you’ve got to give your soul a good talking-to.

Tip: When you’re overwhelmed, say this out loud: “Hope in God. He’s still with me, and He’s still working.” Sometimes hearing it makes all the difference.

Pray and Pour It Out

David didn’t bottle up his feelings. He poured his heart out to God. He brought his fears, his frustrations, and his despair straight to the Lord. Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen yourself because you’re connecting to the One who understands you completely.

When life feels too heavy, let it all out in prayer. God can handle your honesty. He already knows what you’re feeling, so don’t hold back. Secure a Christian life coach to walk you through this.

Prayer: “Lord, I’m feeling discouraged and overwhelmed. Help me to encourage myself in You. Remind me of Your goodness, Your promises, and Your love.”

Take the Next Step Forward

After David encouraged himself in the Lord, he didn’t just sit there. He asked God for direction, and then he took action. He pursued the enemy and recovered everything that had been taken. Encouraging yourself in the Lord doesn’t mean ignoring your problems; it means finding the strength to face them.

Challenge: What’s one small step you can take today to move forward, even if you’re feeling down? Maybe it’s praying, calling a friend, or reading a Psalm. Take that step, knowing God’s got your back.

You Can Do This

Life will have its tough days—that’s a given. But when you hit those low points, remember David. Remember that you can encourage yourself in the Lord. God is your refuge and strength, your ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). You’re not alone in this. Your Christian life coach will support you.

So, take a breath, lift your head, and remind your soul: “God is with me. I can do this.” Because with Him, you absolutely can.

Blessings to you all!