1 Samuel 30:6, "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his the God."

David was distressed for two primary reasons: First, because his two wives had been taken by an invading army of Amalekites as were the wives and children of the other inhabitants of Ziklag. Secondly, because of the mutiny and murmuring of the men who followed after David. They held David accountable for leaving their city defenseless and spoke of stoning him. When people are grieved, they are prone to lash out in anger.

In the midst of this mutiny and heartbreak the Bible states, "David encouraged himself in the LORD his God." It is important that we understand the method by which one encourages himself in the Lord. I don't have a perfect list, but I know some things about encouraging myself in the Lord.

• First, I must lay aside worry and exercise faith in God, dismiss fear from having in right in your life. Remind yourself of the fact that you are a child of God, and rejoice in the fact of this relationship. We have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, therefore we belong to Him, and He will protect us.

• Remind yourself of the promises of God. God's Word is filled with many great promises. Rather than filling your heart with doubt fill it with the promises of God.

• Rely upon the power of God. God is able to accomplish things we are unable to accomplish. God allowed David to recover everyone and everything that had been taken by the Amalekites.

• Finally, remind yourself that God is in control of your life. He never does anything to harm us, but only to help us. We have a loving and gracious Heavenly Father.

Don't forget Ephesians 6:10 as you seek to encourage yourself in the Lord this is the key to strength and courage. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."

May you and I be encouraged in our God today and every day.

Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott

QUESTIONS TO PONDER
1.  What things bring you the most stress?

2.  What can you do immediately to help relieve the stress in your life?

3.  Write out four ways you can encourage yourself in the Lord.  Will you do these things daily?