Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

In 1 Samuel 30 we read the story of David returning to Ziklag to discover that the Amalekites had raided the area, burned the city, and taken captive the women and children. Feeling the grief of this moment, David and his men wept bitterly. In verse 6 we read that David himself was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him because of their bitterness. "BUT" (and this is a HUGE but) David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

I for one am glad that Scripture doesn't really tell us how David strengthened himself. Did he pray? Did he sing like he often did? Did he recall moments where he experienced the goodness of the Lord? Did he remind himself of what had been spoken over him? Did he do all of the above? We can only speculate. What we do know is that it happened. And because he was able to strengthen himself, he was able to lead these men to rescue their families.

We've all been there. Right?
We've all had those moments where we felt as though we were the only person in the room. The only one going experiencing pain, doubt, distress, or fear.
It's in those moments where we either find ourselves at the end of our rope, or we discover just who the Lord is for us.

One of the greatest things you can discover in your journey with the Lord is how to strengthen yourself. How to encourage yourself. How to get rescue your mind from wrong thinking. David could have allowed his distresses to swallow him whole. Instead, he reminded himself of who his God was and who he was in Him.

Is there a verse of Scripture that always brings encouragement?
Is there a song that always lifts your spirit?
Is there a memory that always rekindles the passion within you?
Has there been something spoke over your life that you are waiting to see fulfilled?
Has the Lord put a dream in your heart that hasn't been realized?
All of these things can prove invaluable when it comes to strengthening yourself in the Lord.

Are there people you can talk to?
Are there folks who always bring out the best in you?
Do you have a community that believes in you, encourages you, and reminds you of your identity?
Sometimes you have to put yourself in the midst of them. You have to confess your struggles. They can be the means the Lord uses to bring you back to where you need to be. However, it needs to be said, they cannot be your only source of strength. There will be times when we have to learn how to stand on our own two feet with the Lord.

I've experienced this in my own life. There have been moments where I have had to firmly believe in what the Lord has spoken over my life. I've had to trust in the fact that I can hear His voice. I've had to accept what He has affirmed. I've had to trust His heart for my life. And as difficult as those moments may seem, I have discovered a confidence in the Lord that I would have gained no other way.

I wrote down something last Friday that was stirring in my spirit. I hope this helps you.

In absence of the cheering crowd
In the deafening silence of no applause
In the isolation of adversity
The authentic you is revealed.

This is what you have been waiting for.
Rise up!