---ENCOURAGEMENT~~

--[Please Read: 1 Samuel 30:1-25]
--"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God." ----[1 Samuel 30:6]

--As I thought recently about the encouragement I have received from others, my mind went to David. He encouraged himself in the Lord even when the people spoke of stoning him (today's key verse). David's example puts me to shame. Many times I find myself discouraged in spite of having the Bible in my hands, a Christian church to attend weekly, friends who love me, and the Lord who is always available for me to come to. With all these blessings in my life, how can I so easily become discouraged?

I am afraid the answer is all too obvious--I become proud. Pride, or focus on ourselves, causes us to notice not what we have, but what we don't have; not the benefits given to us, but the benefits given to others; not the victories we have won, but the struggles we still have. Where can I find peace?

The solution is to surrender our "self" to be crucified with Christ and to die (Romans 6:6). When we do this, we will experience the new life that Christ gives to His followers. Then we can turn our spiritual eyes away from every distraction and focus only on Him who is our all in all, Jesus, our Prince of Peace.

Having "self" crucified also enables us to hear the still, small voice of God as Elijah heard it (1 Kings 19:12). This is very important in our noisy world today. God is constantly calling people to step away from the crowd, listen to Him, and find rest in quiet communion with Him. By hearing His voice we can encourage ourselves in God as David did--and encourage others too!
--Beside Still Waters/DR
--"Take Me In"//Catherine Mullins (lyrics)<https://youtu.be/cb1k3DxnpVQ>
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