At times, we have no one who can or will, encourage us. This can be a difficult and lonely time. It is a time when discouragement is knocking at the door; a time when the devil is whispering, 'Nobody cares; you may as well give up.' Probably you have heard that voice just lately.
It's interesting to see from our text, that David received no help or comfort until he called on God. We read: 'For whoever calls on the name of the LORD, shall be saved.' Joel 2:32 and Romans 10:13. We often place this verse in line with salvation - being 'saved', or 'born again' and that is correct. However, the word salvation is much more than that. The Greek word for salvation is Soteria, which incorporates, deliverance, preservation, soundness, prosperity, happiness, rescue and general well-being. We can call on the Lord at anytime and He will be there to help us, but we must call on Him. And this, David knew. This is why he was able to strengthen himself in the Lord. He remembered all that God had done for him in the past and he knew that God would not let him down. His discouragement turned into encouragement.
God wants to empower each and everyone of us. He can take distress and disappointment and turn it into joy and hope. It's not just about us though. Many other people feel the same. They may be good at hiding it, but rather like applying whitewash to a damaged wall, the cracks begin to show through as it dries. You may know someone who is going through discouragement at the moment. For them to receive a card with, 'Just want you to know that I'm thinking about you,' or some other appropriate message, can lift their spirits.
A telephone call is also helpful but, many times the person may not want to speak or will put on their, 'Happy exterior,' voice. But a text may help.
You may say, 'Well no one's done that to me and I've been really low,' But, as I have said, it's not always about you and being the one who takes the initiative and does it, scores points with God - smartie points - you're doing it as if you're doing it for Jesus:
"Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these, My brethren, you did it to Me." (Matthew 25:40).
Why not strengthen or encourage yourself in the Lord right now, or do the same to someone who needs it. It will really brighten, their's and your day.
Copyright 2020 Grahame Howard
dailylifewithjesus@hotmail.com
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