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Encourage Yourself

Theologian Charles H. Spurgeon refers to Psalm 42 when he says, “Most of the Lord's family have sailed on the sea which is here so graphically described.” King David wrote Psalm 42 half as a letter to God begging for His presence, and half as a letter to himself encouraging his own faith. He repeatedly wrote why he’s upset. He repeatedly came to the conclusion that he ought to continue trusting God. This honest conversation with God and himself was King David’s greatest weapon to silence the discouragement that tried to wipe him out.

In verse five, David asks his own soul why it’s so downcast. Spurgeon comments, “As though he were two men, the psalmist talks to himself. His faith reasons with his fears, his hope argues with his sorrows.”

Sometimes, we find ourselves on sailing on David’s sea, when battles on the outside and fear on the inside argue with our hope. This is precisely when we need to have some stored-up hope and courage ready to fire. In Psalm 119:11, we find that King David’s strategy was to hide God’s truth in his heart. What scriptural truths will you hide in your heart? Maybe, “I don’t understand this, but I trust You God.” Or, “God, You brought me this far. You won’t leave me now.” Or maybe your truth will be, “I know my present pain will not even compare to my future victory.”

Try this: Choose a Scripture to encourage yourself and others this week.