Encouraging Ourselves through Tough Times - The Crosswalk Devotional - July 25

Encouraging Ourselves through Tough Times
By Lynette Kittle

“David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the Lord his God” - 1 Samuel 30:6

Maybe you haven’t ever been to the point where people want to stone you. However, possibly you’ve experienced situations where everyone seems against you, whether at work with an employer and co-workers, or neighbors, or in a personal or family relationship. It’s tough and David knew what it’s like to feel downtrodden and hated. After all, King Saul was on the hunt to kill him. Like him, sometimes we find ourselves alone in a crowd, with no one on our side willing to support us. It’s times like these when we can turn towards God ourselves and find encouragement.

Sadly today so many of us count on others to constantly encourage and uplift us, causing us to be so dependent on others, that we don’t know what to do or where to turn when we find ourselves alone. In these situations, especially during desperate moments when there is no one around to help us, we want to learn how to encourage ourselves.

Not Ever Truly Alone
Scripture reminds us that we are not ever truly alone and David understood that because he already had a deep relationship with the Lord. He knew where to turn to for support. Through his words in Psalm 46:1, he reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

In times where we experience doubt and discouragement, we can follow Jesus’ words in Mark 5:36. “Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”

The following are three ways we can encourage ourselves:

1. Read God’s Word.
When feeling discouraged, God’s word is here for us, to strengthen and help us through challenging and difficult times. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 directs us to “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” Reading, remembering, and receiving God’s promises through His word uplifts and strengthens us. Whereas men and women’s words can fall flat with us, God’s word will not. His words are life to us and renew our lives when we take them in on a regular basis. Jesus explains to us in John 6:63, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothings. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.”

2. Remember His goodness.
By taking time to remember God’s goodness to us in the past and present, helps us to look hopefully towards the future, assured of His continuing goodness in our lives. Psalm 27:13 reminds, “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” David took time to remember God’s goodness. In Psalm 77:11 he explains, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” If you have trouble remembering God’s goodness in your own life, like David did, look back in time by turning the pages of the Bible to recall His mighty acts.

3. Refresh our relationship with God.
Along with reading God’s word, which is vital in knowing Him, we can spend time praying, praising, and worshipping Him. David’s heart thirsted after God and he made time to spend with Him. In Psalm 42:2, David writes, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Intersecting Faith and Life:
This coming year, ask God to help you learn how to encourage yourself. Look for a place where you can meet with God and spend time just with Him. God’s heart is to be with you up close and personal, and He is ready, willing, and waiting for you to come to Him.

Further Reading:
How to Give the Encouragement You Give Others to Yourself

Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.