Down in the dumps? Can’t seem to shake that feeling of depression? Marriage, finances, job, or life in general got you down?
I know the feeling. Sometimes I really let things overwhelm me and put me in a real funk.
How Do You Handle It?
When we get that way, there are multiple ways we can handle the situation. We can wallow in it and do things that make it worse. We can take it out on ourselves by talking negatively about ourselves or finding ways to punish ourselves. We can try to escape it through alcohol or drug abuse, spending money, or eating. We can seek out approval and encouragement from others to build us up. Or we can take it out on others.
A Better Way
But there is only one real way to get rid of those negative feelings.
Turning to God is the only way to get out of that funk. But He’s not going to just zap you and make you feel all better.
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.
1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV)
In the Amplified Bible it says “But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God.”
David didn’t wait around for God or someone else to pick him up out of his depression. David encouraged himself by remembering God’s promises to him (that he would be king) and who he was (a child of God).
Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Do It
When we get in a funk, that’s what we need to do. We shouldn’t wait for someone else to help us feel better about ourselves or for that lightning bolt of encouragement from God!
How To Encourage Yourself
1) Yes, definitely bring it to God by praying about it. That’s a great first step. But unfortunately, where it ends for many people.
2) Don’t stop there. Break out your Bible and find all of the scriptures you can on how much God loves you and how He has great things in store for you.
3) Read those scriptures.
4) Write them down where you can see them.
5) Say them out loud.
6) Go through all the steps again tomorrow.
Doing this on a consistent basis will get God’s encouragement down into your heart, filling it up and pushing out those negative feelings. It’s certainly worked for me.
So what are some Bible verses that you turn to for encouragement? Leave a comment below to let us know.
About David
Good post! When I need to encourage myself I like to look in Psalms. Psalms 28:7 comes to mind…
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him
That’s a great verse Steve. Thanks for sharing.
David:
I just stumbled upon your post and I loved it! I think as Christians, we often forget our most powerful weapon, the Word of God. We pray and leave it there. We overlook the sword that is right there in our hands (LoL!) Those of us who are married, often look to our spouses and expect them to encourage us, this too is misguided. Thank you so much for this post. It’s an excellent and timely reminder!
Thanks Wanda!
You’re right, we often forget to keep using that weapon of the Word. And it will encourage us when nothing else can.