Encourage yourself in the Lord
The other day I was speaking with someone in our community, and they said, “You know, life just isn’t easy sometimes!” To that, I say “he is right!” Life isn’t always easy, and it seems like lately it is getting harder, but there is a statement that says, “encourage yourself in the Lord.” What does that mean? Well, here is a good spiritual number, “seven.” I’m going to give you “seven” ways to encourage yourself in the Lord.
#1. SPEAK LIFE! What do I mean by that?
First, the Word of God is life to us. Even Jesus said, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4). Speak the Word. Read the Word out loud to yourself; and no don’t pick the verse that says, “go out and hang yourself.” There is so much in the Word of God that is encouraging. Start in the Psalms or in Ephesians and read about the promises of God.
#2. PRAY FOR JOY!
Now, I didn’t say happiness because happiness is different from joy. Joy is deep down beyond the circumstances of life, no matter what is going on. It is one of the fruits of the spirit and God the joy of the Lord is also our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
#3. READ ENCOURAGING SCRIPTURES!
Again, like speaking life, read the scriptures.
The promises of God are many and are powerful. The promises of God can get to the center of our lives and encourage and lift us up. They will give us strength and hope.
#4. CONNECT IN GOOD FELLOWSHIP! Connect with people who also will speak life into you. You know what I’m talking about. Connect with people often that will not drain you but pour into you and encourage you. That can speak life into you and give you hope and joy, strength, and power to take the next steps in your life.
#5. FIND YOURSELF IN CHURCH! In other words, get up Sunday morning (or whenever the church is meeting) and go to church! The fellowship of the believers in the church is important. The times of worship in music. The times of worship in the Word of God. Make the decision and get up and go. No more putting it off.
#6. THINK ON GOOD THOUGHTS! Philippians 4:8-9 speaks very concisely to this . . . whatever it true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, anything excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things!
#7. DO SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY! What makes you happy? What kinds of things do you like doing? Do you like being around people? Do you like serving others and giving of yourself? Do you like being out in nature all by yourself where you can hear the birds chirping and the water flowing in the river or the brook nearby? Do you like burying yourself in a good book that takes you to places that make the imagination alive? Whatever it is, that is good and healthy, and legal (sad that I should even have to remind people of that), go do it and feel the happiness and joy that is contained in so many things in life! These are seven ways that we can encourage ourselves in the Lord. Simple and brief without lots of detail!
Encourage yourself in the Lord! Enjoy the life and creation that He has blessed you with! Enjoy the gifts that He has given you! Use the talent and imagination that flows through you and find the joy that He desires for you to walk in! Encourage yourself in the Lord!
Pastor Terry F. Detwiller
New Life
New Life Assembly of God Church, Valley City