The Bible tells us to “encourage one another.” Have you ever asked yourself, how do I do that when I feel dry and empty inside?
You’re not alone. Even grief counselors experience grief when they lose a loved one. Sometimes, even inspirational speakers need to be inspired. Even Jesus, the Son of God, rose early and spent time in prayer with His Father.
One Bible verse has always intrigued me. In 1 Samuel 30:6, we read this one little phrase,
David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
The context tells us why David needed encouragement, but it does not tell us what David did.
While David and his soldiers were away, raiders came, burned his city and had taken their wives and children captive. The entire group was overcome with grief. “Then David and the people who were with him raised their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.” In their grief, the men “spoke of stoning him (David), because all the people were bitter in soul.” Not only was David dealing with his own grief, now he was concerned about preserving his own life.
If we take a bigger picture view of the context, we see that David is now being tested to reveal his true character before God officially places him on the throne of His people. You may remember that King Saul failed the tests of staying strong when his men were breaking ranks. He also failed the test of executing God’s command to eliminate an enemy nation. That nation, Amalek, is the very one responsible for raiding David’s camp.
How David responds is critical to his own kingship.
Some modern translations render the verse as “David strengthened himself” in the Lord. Essentially, we are talking about the same concept. Remember the definition of “encourage” is to impart courage — “the mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage)
In times of fear, exhaustion, or devastation, we can only focus on one thing. We may see lots of things. But we have to choose where to stay focused — on our circumstances or on solutions. We choose to focus on the enemies of God or on God, Himself. Now, I live in the real world. I am not advocating self-deception or ignoring the facts. But sometimes, our circumstances can seem so overwhelming, we overlook the help right in front of us.
So, what exactly did David do?
As I mentioned earlier, the writer doesn’t tell us exactly what David did, but I have an idea. Ever notice the phrase “O my soul” in the Psalms? Quite a few times, David (and presumably other writers) lets us in on a private, inner conversation he has with himself to refocus his attention on God.
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.
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.
Psalm 42:5, 11 (ESV)
In Psalm 62, David encourages himself and others to put their trust in God.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalm 62:5–8 (ESV)
When I was a new believer, I attended a church that began every worship service with a chorus built on the following verses from Psalm 103.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,
Today’s post is just to whet our appetites. In upcoming posts, we’ll explore other tools to encourage ourselves so that we can encourage others.
