I Samuel 30:6 - 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 encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
I read a fable about a dog who loved to chase other animals. He bragged about his great running skill and said he could catch anything. Well, it wasn’t long until his boastful claims were put to the test by a rabbit. With ease the little creature out-ran his barking pursuer. The other animals, watching with glee, began to laugh. The dog excused himself by saying, “You folks forget that I was only running for fun but he was running for his life!”
Motivation and encouragement make a difference in almost everything we do. In fact, it determines the way believers live their lives in the Lord. In the above scripture, David was greatly disappointed because the enemies took his wives’ and children including those families who were staying with him. So David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep. Furthermore, David was greatly distressed and discouraged because the men were talking of stoning him. My dear ones note the David reaction towards this situation. The word states “but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. With that encouragement along with few of his men he pursued the enemy and destroyed them completely. The Word also states that “nothing was missing, young or old, boy or girl, plunder or anything else they had taken”.
My friends, I don’t know your situations, positions, and dispositions. You may be battling with some addiction/ sin or behavioral problems. Added you may be greatly discouraged with your actions and condemning yourself. These actions would not produce any good result in you but get you into further discouragement. My dear ones, our Lord is waiting for you to supply His strength. David found no hope in him but he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. This should be our attitude and we must encourage ourselves in the Lord. Then the joy of the Lord would become our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).Proverbs 24:16 states” for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again”. Surely dear ones we will rise again and our God has not and never will give up on us. Therefore, encourage yourself in the Lord and overcome those sins and troubles.
In his testimony, Dotson spoke directly to Christian workers. “Continue on in your ministry with people like me,” he urged,” no matter how frustrating. We may have lots of setbacks. But don’t give up; there is power for change in even the most frustrating person through the sacrifice of Christ, the One who really sets us free”. And he closed with this “Thank you for not giving up on me”.
Instead of giving up on a person, give that person to God.
