Encourage Us, Lord

 

But You are a shield around me, O Lord; You bestow glory on me and lift up my head. Psalm 3:3
 
Psalm 3 was written by David. He was complaining to God about his enemies surrounding him. There were many reasons for David to be downcast and discouraged. He was on the run from his son, Absalom. He had previously been given the lowest of jobs of tending the sheep. How ironic that he was considered the 'black sheep' of the family. David's brothers made fun of him and rejected him. When Samuel went looking for the next king of Israel, His father didn't even acknowledge him as being one of his sons, until Samuel asked if he had another son. He was previously on the run from Saul, who wanted him dead. As David confided and poured out his heart to God, he found confidence in Him and God restored him to the state from which his enemies had cast him down.
 
Maybe you're overwhelmed about some things and have been walking around with your head down. Whatever reason the enemy has given for you to hold your head down, I want you to know that the Lord has given you protection, bestowed glory upon you, and will lift up your head above every situation that may come to trouble you or attach itself to you ... as you look to Him.
 
You're made strong by the difficulties you FACE, not by those you EVADE. The challenges being handed to you are pushing you into your destiny.
 
Come again to the place of safety, all you prisoners, for there’s yet hope. I promise right now, I will repay you two mercies for each of your woes. Zechariah 9:12

There's a purpose for that pain, just like it was for David's (he became king of Israel) so lift up your head and trust God to show you the way to victory and to give you courage you need along the way.

Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:17 
 
If you're getting fought, it's because you're a threat. The enemy would like nothing more than to steal, kill and destroy. But God says in Psalm 105:15 -  Do not touch My chosen people and do not hurt My prophets. In other words, the enemy has NO power over you. 

God is the One who will hold your head high when the winds, rain and stormy seas are raging. Will you allow Christ to lift your head today? Look to Him and He will, for the battle isn't ours, but God's.

Father, give us grace to stay strong amidst adversity. Thank You for the good plan that You have for each of us. Encourage us to keep going and not give up, for You're our greatest encourager. In Jesus’ name, amen.
 
 
 
see related blogs of mine: Encourage Yourself in the Lord
                                          It's His Fight

Note to Encouragers - Are You Feeling the Weight?

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10






Know that if you're an encourager, the enemy will attack you with the opposite of that gifting ... discouragement. If you're gettin' hit with depression, in part it's because the enemy is scared of you and the damage you're doing to his kingdom.

If you're feeling discouraged, get in the Word and read until you get your peace back. Being an encourager can drain your strength, so continual feeding on God's Word and spending time in His presence is essential. Are you feeling the weight? When you help someone through something, be sure to ask the Lord to fill you back up and cast that persons cares on Him instead of walking around trying to hold yourself up under the weight of everyone's burdens. If you can, pray with the person you're helping right then and there, so ya'll can lift the burden to the Lord together. Burdens are too heavy for our shoulders and we weren't designed to carry them.

Cast your cares on the Lord, for He cares for you and HE WILL SUSTAIN YOU; He will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22

God's placed a beautiful gift within you. Don't let it be trampled on and smothered, lift your head high knowing that your heavenly Father is with you and is carrying you and rooting you on.

At night we may cry, but when morning comes we will celebrate. You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:5,11

Be encouraged all you encouragers ... YOU ARE GONNA MAKE IT. You're gonna make it, after all.

You CAN do it.

Father, I pray that You encourage us, give us joy, and give us words in due season for Your people and speak them through us. Be in agreement with me, Lord as I speak LIFE and HOPE to all those who just don't think they can take it anymore ... you WILL go thru, in Jesus' name.