When I Am Discouraged

by Francine Rodriguez
 
It seems like I give my all and yet no one appreciates what I do. I seem to always be shot down just when I feel that I am making some progress in my life.
 
We read in 1 Samuel 30 that David felt the same way but he discovered that sometimes we just have to learn how to encourage ourselves in the Lord. David and his men had returned home to Ziklag to find that the Amalekites had been there and they had raided and burned the city of Ziklag. But the worst was that they had taken all the women, their sons, and daughters and all that were there, young and old captive. Everything that meant anything to David was gone. All his men were very angry and bitter against him. They began to criticize and blame him for what happened and talked of stoning him. It seemed like all hope was gone. Everything came crashing down on David, and he was in distress and wept until he had no more power to weep. “What do I do now?”
Have you ever found yourself in a situation like that where you feel everyone and everything is against you? You are all alone. There is no one to encourage you or to pat you on the back and say it will be okay.
 
When David finished crying he knew what he had to do. The distress of that moment drove him to God. He didn’t seek God or inquire of Him before going out to support Achish in the battle, but now he knew God was all he had left. So he goes to God and he asked God, “What do I do?”
 
When you find yourself in a situation that seems hopeless, look to God and find your strength in Him. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Don’t forget how He has been faithful in the past. It is in those desperate times when we run out of our own resources and we have no place else to turn that we realize God is waiting for us and He is more than enough! He will love you when everyone else rejects you. He will not turn his back on you or forsake you in the battle. After prayer, God gave David clear instructions. God told David, “Pursue for you shall surely overtake them and without fail, recover all.”
 
David went this time with 600 of his men and God went with them. And as a result, he recovered all that the Amalekites had taken away “he recovered all and nothing was lacking.”
 
Not everyone will always agree with you, but keep moving forward in spite of the difficulties that come against you. Seek the Lord earnestly. He will show you what to do and He will even go with you. Life is not always going to be easy. You may feel you are walking all alone; but let me remind you what Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake, I will stick closer to you than a brother. (Heb. 13:5)
 
And so, when the going gets tough, remember, it is an opportunity for God to show up. He will walk with you through the fire and wipe the tears. Take some time to get before God and ask Him for direction, and remember what He has done in the past He surely will do it again.
 
You have to read the rest of the story: 1 Samuel 30 “God fights for us, preserves us and delivers us.”

5 Responses to “When I Am Discouraged”

  1. MarieLovato says:

    Yess n Amen! This is just exactly what is speaking to many people right now. We do need to know who we are n keep focused n standing n earnestly seek him. To stand n take authority in the Name of Jesus! Quote back that word n no matter the circumstances continue to encourage yourself yess n Amen. We have that HolySpirit alive n living in us the holyspirit is our comforter n Pray! Pray pray pray n keep on praying just as discouragement comes we need to encourage ourselves n stand n know we have Victory in him our Lord n Savior⚓ Also praise n sing out all things aside praise in the storm~*~~Yess n Amen Amen~*~~⚓

  2. Denise Mascarenas says:

    Amen!!!
    I needed this!!

    Thank you and God bless you!!❤

  3. Mark Tapia says:

    This reminds me of the two missionaries who went on a trip at the same time the president went, they departed at the same time and came back at the same time. There was a welcoming committee for the president there was nobody there for the missionaries. One of the missionaries was real upset that nobody was there to greet them has they came home,the wife told him going to the bedroom and pray so he did. He came out with a puzzled look on his face the wife said what’s the matter with you the husband said the Lord spoke to me she said what did He say? He said the welcoming committee was not there because you’re not home yet.

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