Think you’ve got it good? David had it better! Think you’ve got it bad? David had it worse! His story serves to remind us that life is filled hills and valleys, blessings and burdens, delights and difficulties. Sooner or later, perhaps when you least expect it, troubles will come. One day things will be going great and the next will be full of grief. Be prepared. It’s important that we are alert as to the danger of times like these. The depression brought on by difficulties and disappointments can take us to a dark place where we don’t want to be. And, it can do a lot damage in a short time unless we are delivered.
In times like these it is wonderful to have someone come to our aid and encourage us– you don’t forget friends like that. However, there are times when nobody is there to help. We find ourselves mired down in a horrible pit of depression with no one who is able or willing to help us out. That’s why it is crucial that we learn to do as David did– “encouraged himself in the LORD his God”.
It is dangerous to just sit back and wait for someone to come to our aid and it doesn’t do any good to just complain. We must learn to take action and encourage ourselves. Under such conditions that’s the only way to conquer our circumstances and avoid defeat. If you are a Christian you have everything you need “in the LORD“, but you must avail yourself of what God provides. A good starting point might be to study 2 Pet. 1:2-10. Do it now.Delay is dangerous. Drop whatever you’re doing, open your Bible and prayerfully consider why you shouldn’t be cast down. Remember it was David who said, ” Why art thou cast down O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God..”(Ps. 42:11; 43:5). If you refuse to encourage yourself don’t complain because others won’t or can’t. Do you ever wonder how some people keep going year after year, even under great adversity? It is because they have learned to do as David did when he “encouraged himself in the LORD“. If he did you can! — HDS
