Key Text: 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV - 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.

There was a time David found himself in a seemingly hopeless situation. Being a man after God's heart he quickly realised that the only way out was to encourage himself in the Lord his God. The Devil had employed his deadly weapon of discouragement to bring David down but the Lord delivered him. Many have been destroyed and are still being destroyed by discouragement for lack of knowledge - Hosea 4:6.

While striving against hatred, malice, jealousy, lying, hypocrisy and pride: the lethal weapons that the Devil commonly uses, many heavenly-minded Christians have been overcome by discouragement. It is a very dangerous weapon and yet unnoticed by its victims until it has completed its work. Discouragement leads to loss of confidence in the Lord.

The discouraged believer cannot trust God for anything: although he may still be praying, he lacks the confidence to receive from the Lord. Are you in a situation which appears to be totally and absolutely hopeless? Cheer up, there's hope in the Lord. Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord your God. You are not alone - He is right there with you.

Prayer: O Lord, thank you for exposing another wile of the Devil - I refuse to be discouraged, in Jesus name. Amen. 

Reflection: Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD - Psalms 31:24.