Encouragement / Discouragement

Day 8 – Recipe for Encouraging Yourself

I do believe the Book of Psalms records the most accounts/verses about discouragement. David went through difficult times. As a Psalmist (or writer), he was able to put his feelings in writing. I must admit, there is something “therapeutic” about writing about my difficulties. As a result, I always manage to encourage myself! Let’s review what David did to encourage himself and how it affected his discouragement.

We see from verses one through three how David is petitioning the Lord. I love how David isn’t afraid to explain to God just how he feels. Do you struggle putting your thoughts into words in prayer? Why not write them as David did? Verse one clearly shows that David felt as though the Lord had forgotten him and that He had hid His face from David.

We see in verse two that David wasn’t seeking counsel with God but within himself! His heart was full of sorrow. I’ve been there, haven’t you? Discouragement brings such sorrow! It seems as though there is just no light at the end of the tunnel. How can a discouraged and sorrowful heart then give wise counsel? That’s what David was telling God he was doing. No wonder his discouragement and sorrow went on for days. At that point in time, David wasn’t seeking to encourage himself. But David had a wonderful way of turning his sorrowful times around. This is the key. He did not have the Word of God right at his fingertips as we do today. He poured his heart out in writing to God. I’m thankful he did, aren’t you? Today we all glean from David’s experiences.

David did not wallow in self-pity or mope around the house for very long. When I read this Psalm, I see a progression. I see David questioning God as to why He is so distant from him. I see David petitioning God to put the spark back in him. Lastly, I see David’s efforts in encouraging his own heart in verses five and six. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. (5) I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. (6) I also noted the progression of David’s encouragement in these verses. Firstly, despite everything going wrong around him, David remembered God’s mercy and His salvation. What a great gift we’ve been given! We’ve been given eternal life – never more to worry about hell – only wonderful thoughts of Heaven! Rejoice! David was remembering and counting his blessings! This action brought singing and recognition of the blessings God had given him. These are no longer the words of a discouraged man!

Christian, you are not alone in your trials. God has left us many examples in His Word of those who have experienced what you are experiencing. Take action and glean from what He has left you because the cure is there. Follow David’s pattern to encouragement:

(1) Tell God what you’re feeling
(2) Ask Him for help
(3) Rejoice in your salvation
(4) Count your blessings!

Joseph Oatman wrote over 5,000 gospel songs. A couple that he is best known for are: “Higher Ground” and “No Not One.” But one of my favorites to sing when I am discouraged is:

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain