Encourage yourself in the Lord!

“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 Samuel 30:6

When things are not working as expected, encourage yourself in the Lord your God. David faced one of his darkest moments in 1 Samuel 30:6—his own people spoke of stoning him, yet he did not allow despair to drown him. Instead, he turned his heart toward God, drawing strength from the One who never fails. Likewise, Joseph, though sold into slavery and imprisoned unjustly, never lost his focus on the Lord. In due time, God lifted him from the prison to the palace (Genesis 41:41). Daniel too, in a foreign land and threatened with death, chose unwavering devotion to God—and he was not disappointed. The mouths of lions were shut, and his enemies were silenced (Daniel 6:22-24).

No matter the weight of your distress, choose to find strength in God. Isaiah 61:3 assures us that He gives beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. When you encourage yourself in the Lord, you're tapping into divine strength that brings transformation. Paul and Silas, though beaten and chained, sang praises in the prison, and God responded with an earthquake of deliverance (Acts 16:25-26). Let this be your strategy—when it seems all hope is gone, look up. Your praise will open doors. Your faith will birth miracles. And your courage in God will bring the change you seek.

Prophetic word: Thus says the Lord: "My child, do not fear the storm that rages around you, for I am the calm within it. Just as I strengthened David in the wilderness and upheld Joseph in the pit, I am strengthening and upholding you. Though men may rise against you and circumstances may seem unbearable, I am turning your mourning into dancing and your tears into testimonies. This is not your end, but a divine setup for your elevation. What the enemy meant for evil, I am turning around for your good. Encourage yourself in Me, and you will see the salvation of the Lord. Your prison shall become a palace, your ashes shall shine with beauty, and your night shall break into morning light. Stay steadfast—your breakthrough is at the door."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. When all seems lost and my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Just as David encouraged himself in You and saw Your mighty hand of restoration, help me to draw strength from Your Word and Your promises. Remind me, Lord, of Joseph’s rise from the pit to the palace, of Daniel’s victory in the lion’s den, and Paul and Silas’ midnight deliverance. I declare today that I will not be moved by what I see, but by what You have spoken. I choose to encourage myself in You, to speak life over my circumstances, and to trust Your unfailing love. Turn my ashes into beauty, my sorrow into joy, and my trials into triumphs. Let Your presence overshadow every fear, and let Your peace guard my heart and mind. In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.