Encourage Yourself

Tuesday 24 November
READ: Psalm 42:3-11
MORE LESSON: Deut. 3:27-28

The psalmist talking to himself even before he talked to God about his depressed soul, asked; Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me hope thou in God...:v5. Then he talked to his depressed soul about God, ...hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance: v5. David was talking to himself, but he certainly was not losing his mind. His words sound like those of someone in touch with reality.
When you are overwhelmed or depressed, remember to take advantage of the spiritual anti-depressant in today's psalm. Question your soul, testify about God's goodness, and admonish yourself to hope in the Lord. After testifying to others about the change that Jesus has made in your life, minister to yourself as David did by personally applying the very encouragement you have given to others.

Moreover, it is very clear from today's text that anyone can be discouraged; prophets, kings, servants, believers and unbelievers. David the King got his courage by talking to himself and with God. In addition, courage can also come through friends and when we care to talk to our loved one's about our situations. Consider the examples recorded in 1Sam. 23:16-18, And Jonathan Saul's son arose, and went to David into the wood,...And he said unto him, Fear not…. 
The promise of God in His Word can be a sure strength when we are depressed and troubled, …the LORD spake unto Joshua… Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them… Be strong and of a good courage... Only be thou strong and very courageous…: Josh. 1:1-9.

However, when the unexpected happens, the greatest courage and strength comes from within as it is written also about King David.
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 Sam. 30:6. 
Think about it. When do you get discouraged? What Bible verses give you hope when you are down? You Use them to pray now!

Prayer/Action
* As one that is from above and above all, I will win over every negative situation, in Jesus’ mighty name.
* By the power of the Holy Spirit, I overcome everything that is trying to overcome me, in Jesus’ mighty name.
* Father, let heaven be at work in my situation so that it will not end the way the enemy wants it, in Jesus’ mighty name.

PROPHETIC PRAYER
No hidden or public agenda of the enemy over my life shall see the light of the day, in the name of Jesus.