“Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” I Samuel 30:6 NKJV
I’ve got over 6 decades under my belt now. I’ve seen just about everything there is to see in regards to life. I’ve had my ups and I’ve had my downs just like everyone else.
It’s funny, people still put pastors on pedestal as if they never have problems. I would like to say that was always true - but it is not.
I share the same temptations, trials, and difficulties just as any of you would. I also share the same joys, peace and blessings that you also share.
I deal with the same stresses, aches and pains as each and everyone of you do also.
John Wesley in his famous sermon called "Satan’s Devices" states that Satan has three main methods of discouraging the believer. He tries to:
1- Damp our joy
2- Attack our peace
3- Targets us especially in times of sickness and pain.
Satan tries to bring discouragement upon us in order to bring us down and rob us of life and power. This is no new strategy for we find it way back in the pages of the Old Testament in the story of a many we know - David.
Notice the CAUSES of his discouragement:
a) Severe loss
David arrived at his home in Ziglag to find it a scene of rubble and devastation. His family had been taken off into captivity.
There was a loss of confidence in his leadership to the point where those who had been his closest companions spoke of stoning him.
b) Mental and physical strain
David’s body and mind were tired. His nerves were frayed.
He felt "on edge"...At such times as this vision becomes distorted and we do not see things in their true perspective.
The best thing to do in such circumstances can sometimes be rest and bed....a short break in the daily routine.
c) David was alone
His friends seemed in the process of deserting him.
These are some of the reasons why David was discouraged and in need of inner strengthening.
At other times in his life he suffered discouragement because he was not in fellowship with God.
Sometimes we can be out of fellowship with God when we follow ways of our own. Living carelessly or backsliding will lead to deep discouragement in the Christian life.
The Christian who has backslidden is probably one of the unhappiest people in the world for having tasted the grace and mercy of God they turn their backs deliberately away from it.
(There are other causes of discouragement of which result from our own deliberate actions ...sin, disobedience, over indulgence, harbouring grudges etc)
Notice the CURES For Discouragement:
a) The presence of God
David strengthened himself in God.
Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.” I Samuel 30:6 NKJV
To help overcome discouragement we need to deliberately get into the presence of God and tell him how we feel.
“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and” Psalms 42:5 NLT
b) The people of God
David reached out to God’s people. He went to see Abiathar the priest
There is great strength in sharing joys and sorrows with other believers. I am greatly encouraged by the love and support of other believers.
This is so true: If you are discouraged try encouraging someone else.
In Job 42 it was after Job had prayer for his friends that God restored his fortunes.
c) Be urgent in prayer to God
The devil uses discouragement as a device to turn us away from God. We can see it as something to turn us towards God and his resources.
d) Rely on the promises of God
David sought the Lord urgently in and was promised success…
“Then David asked the LORD, “Should I chase after this band of raiders? Will I catch them?” And the LORD told him, “Yes, go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!”” 1 Samuel 30:8 NLT
He believed the promise and saw success come. Believing God’s promises is an antidote for discouragement so we need to get to know them.
David went through and came out of a time of great personal difficulty and discouragement.
With God’s help so can you. The next time you feel discouraged and don’t know where to go - trust in God and you will find a great source of help and strength for your life.
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