Encourage Yourself

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5)

David was a shepherd. A “cast” sheep is one that is unable to get back up on its legs. If the shepherd doesn’t find the sheep and help it get back on its feet, the sheep will die.

After fighting the Amalakites, David and his men returned to Ziklag to find that their wives and children had been taken captive by their enemies, and their homes burned. As a result, David’s men turned against him but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God. (1 Samuel 30:6)

We all get discouraged.  We can become disappointed with ourselves, decisions or mistakes we have made. 

When we become discouraged we have two choices.  We can stay down or rise up. 

First examine yourself.  Then forgive yourself.  Then encourage yourself. 

If we do not get back up, we will die.  And who will receive the glory. The one who comes to steal, kill and destroy.  Give God the glory, get back up... and Live.