Remember God's Character and Attributes
Part 4 on Discouragement
by Marsha Iddings
1 Samuel 30:6 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.
David became discouraged because those he cared about rejected him, turned against him and talked of stoning him. He talks about an experience like this in the Psalms. "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." (Psalm 41:9) Have you ever experienced misunderstanding or rejection from those you care about? It's not a fun place to be and it can cause great discouragement.
The good news is that David didn't let that discouragement keep him down. The Scripture says he encouraged himself in the Lord his God. We see evidence of this all through the Psalms. Psalm 42:5, 7-8 says, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the LORD will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." David focused on God's lovingkindness here and throughout the Psalms we see him focusing on the character of God in times of discouragement.
As you read your Bible make a list of the references that show God's attributes and character. I have about three pages of them in my journal and find it a great encouragement to read through these when I am struggling with discouragement. I've learned that no matter how bad my circumstances are, God is still good because He does not change.
Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Encourage yourself in the Lord today. Start that journal listing God's attributes and character so you will have it ready when you need it.
Dear Father, You sent Jesus to suffer the greatest misunderstanding and rejection there was as He died on the cross in our place for our sin. Help us to never take that for granted and to remember this when we are misunderstood and rejected by those we care about. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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