TEXT: 1 Samuel 30:6
Reading:
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.
INTRODUCTION
What is discouragement? It is a situation that is inevitable, as human beings on this Earth, discouragement will come, which is why I said it is inevitable (not able to be avoided). Discourage (to rule away the confidence or hope).
Where do you get your encouragement when you are discouraged?
- Is your ‘God’ encouraging you, or are you the one encouraging your God?
- Is your God carrying you when you are tired or you are carrying your God when he is tired?
- Is your God providing for you, or you are providing for your God?
- Is your God protecting you, or are you protecting your God?
I want to encourage you that when you are discouraged, we have an Almighty God in heaven who provides, protects, and carries us when we are tired. He answers our prayers. He hears us and cares for us. Remember when you are lonely, He is always there for you.
What is God to you, or who is God?
Right now, as you are reading this message, think of the five most important things in your life. Think of the first one that you cherish so much. For some it is money, that is their “God”. For some, it is material things. For some fame/ popularity. For some education, careers; we call them career men/women. These are important aspects of life, but can be or could become your “God”.
Only the Almighty God, the creator of the universe is the source of encouragement.
- When you are lonely: He never leaves you, nor forsake you.
- When you are not happy: He is there to comfort you.
- When you have no peace, he is the King of Peace.
- When you are weary: He said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Mathew 11:28.
- When the economy or your business is bad, remember God Almighty, the creator of the Universe is the richest God (Psalm 50:10 “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.”).
When we are discouraged, we need to know that God is the only one to turn and run to. Psalm 121:1&2 “1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.” Today, I want to encourage you that discouragement will come, but when it comes, remember that God is in control, and our lives are in His hands.
Today, I want to give you 3 things to do when you are discouraged.
(1) When you are discouraged: Remember what God has done.
Psalm 126:3 says, “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” David was discouraged, but David turned to God for encouragement. 1 Samuel 30:6 says, “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 encouraged himself in the LORD his God. In my own life, I remember the day my Bible saved me from the hands of military guys who came to our campus. I remember how God miraculously saved me from an accident that I had with my car. Look at your own life and think of the good things God has done for you. Today, things might not go well, but remember the past.
- Family, remember your wedding day, the day your wife delivered a baby; thank God for that.
- If you are a student, remember the day you got admitted to the university.
- Businessman and woman, remember how you started small but now big.
- Above all, remember the day you got saved. It was a happy day.
(2) When you are discouraged, recognize what God is doing.
In Mathew 21:42, it says, “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?”
God is still working miracles in our days. As He was yesterday, so He is today and tomorrow. He is alive today and evermore. He is working in the lives of those who let Him do so. As Christians, born-again children of God, we should be excited about what God is doing now. You may ask the question; what is God doing for me now? He saved you, protects us, and provides food, clothing, and shelter. He has done so much for us. He turned our sadness into joy, our mourning into laughter, our darkness to light in Jesus.
Let’s not think too far. Let’s look around at our church building or project. It is God’s doing, that we could own this property and build to this far, and it is marvellous in our eyes. Many times, when I am discouraged, when I look at the church project, I am always encouraged, thinking deeply that the money came from you. We have no financial help from outside the Church. As the Pastor, I appreciate the offering of all of our members who have been a great help in these areas. I say thank you very much knowing that your giving is not in vain. Be encouraged by what you are able to do. Don’t be discouraged.
(3) When you are discouraged, Rejoice about what God will do.
Hear me and hear me very well. I said what God will do, He has not done it yet, but with faith and hope I know He will do it. In Joel 2: 21, the Bible says, “Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.” We also have a great hope for eternity, after this world and its troubles have passed, and this should encourage us. In John 14:1-3, Jesus said to His disciples, “1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
Aren’t you happy that He is preparing a place for me and you? He is coming back for His own. This encourages me. I am encouraged by looking for the blessed hope. That is what will happen in the future. When you are discouraged, think of God’s promises that can never fail.
CONCLUSION:
When you are discouraged, try to get into the words of God. Meditate on the promises of God, Hebrews 6:18, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:”
What I am telling you this morning is don’t be discouraged, and if you are, encourage yourself by remembering what God has done for you in the past. Remember what God is doing now, that is presently. And lastly, Remember what God will do for you in the future.
I pray that you will apply this unto your life in Jesus’ name.
Amen!!!