1 Samuel 30:6 tells us that David was greatly distressed because the men spoke of stoning him to death. These men who followed David and fought with him were grieved because their wives and children were taken captive while they were out with David preparing for battle, BUT David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. We encourage ourselves with the Word of God. Ephesians 6:14 instructs us to have the belt of truth buckled around our waist. This truth is found only in God’s Word. His Word is the source of truth and the source of our encouragement. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that the Word of God is living and powerful. It is sharper than any double-edged sword.
I will be strong and courageous. I will not fear because the Lord is with me. He will never leave or forsake me. I will not be dismayed for the omnipotent one is my God. He will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me with his righteous right hand. My heart rejoices because scripture says that God is faithful, and he will not let me be tested or tried beyond my ability and strength. However, in adversity he will provide a way so I will be able to endure. My God is always intentional. All things, whether good or bad, work for my benefit, because I love God and I am called according to his purpose. So, who or what can separate me from the love of Christ? I am persuaded that no demon, principality, power, spiritual wickedness in high places, problem or hardship can separate me from the love of God I have received through Christ Jesus. On the contrary, in spite of all these things, I am more than a conqueror. My heart is glad because those who look to the Lord are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. The Lord is gracious; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him!
I know I can cast all my concerns and anxieties on God because he cares for me. Whatever I experience, whether I’m high or low, on a mountain or in a valley, whether I have plenty or little, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Although I face troubles in this world, I am comforted by the fact that my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has overcome the world. Not only that, the same Spirit that raised Him from the dead lives in me. Even if I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for God is with me; his rod and his staff, they comfort me. My God has rescued and delivered me in the past, and I am confident that he will do the same again because he hasn’t changed.
I am deeply and dearly loved by God. He has put his seal upon me and his Spirit in me. I am redeemed from sin and darkness, and set apart for good works. Because of Christ, I am seated in heavenly places and I am also blessed with every spiritual blessing. My confidence lies not in my strength or abilities, but in the Lord and his mighty power. Why? Because with my God all things are possible. He created the earth with his power, established the world with his wisdom, and stretched out the heavens with his understanding. There is no one like my God! My soul is encouraged in the Lord.
Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthian 10:13, 1 Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:13, John 16:33, Romans 6:11, Psalm 23:4, Romans 8:28, 37-39, 2 Corinthians 1:9-10, 21-22, Psalm 34:5 & 8, Ephesians 1:3 & 7, Ephesians 2:6 & 10, Ephesians 6:10, Matthew 19:26, Jeremiah 10:12