David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. 1 Samuel 30:6
When no one gets in line to tell you what a great job you're doing, when no one seems to agree with your decision to obey God the best you can, what can you do?
Do what David did: Encourage yourself in the Lord! A band of Amalekites captured the wives, family members, and property of David's entire army when they were away from home. Upon returning, and after crying until they could cry no more, many wanted to stone David. In the midst of this crisis, David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6).
When those you have loved and worked with leave you, taking their support with them - encourage yourself.
When your family misunderstands you and your friends betray you - encourage yourself.
When those who have been your comrades in battle decide you are to blame for their problems and pain - encourage yourself.
Some of the ways you can encourage yourself in the Lord:
Speak victory
during the test.
Speak the Word,
no matter how you feel.
Remember your calling,
it'll empower you with purpose and perseverance.
Know that God has His hand on your life.
Where God guides, He provides.
Whom God appoints, He anoints.
Remember past victories and accomplishments.
Read over the testimonies of what God has done through your life and ministry.
Recall the memories of God's working in your life to see how far you've come.
See things from God's viewpoint,
for until you get God's perspective on your life,
you will always be overwhelmed with the impossibilities.
Get rejuvenated with a fresh outlook from the throne of the Almighty.
It's time to stop hating yourself and walking around with a long face. It's time to stop letting the enemy walk all over you like you're a doormat ... he should be under your feet, not you under his! Life is a great big canvas, throw all the paint you can on it.
In a dark place? Use it for soul searching and to draw closer to the Lord. The hurt that tries to hinder us can actually launch us into our destinies. Rise above your circumstances.
Sometimes ... you just have to encourage yourself.
Father, I pray that You be the lifter of our heads. Encourage us. Give us hope and the will to go on. Renew the vision You have for our lives to us, for without a vision we'll perish. Help the Holy Spirit to rise up from within us to take a strong stand against the enemies of our soul, including depression and discouragement. Help us not to lose sight of the fact the the victory has already been won. In Jesus' name, amen.
see also --- Yearning for God in the Midst of Distresses Psalm 42
--- AFTA Blogpost Contemplating Suicide
--- AFTA Blogpost Prescription for Depression
--- AFTA Blogpost You're Worth So Much More Than That
--- AFTA Blogpost Do You Hate Yourself?