"One Of Those Days"

"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." 1 Samuel 30:6 

Have you ever had "one of those days"? David was having one. The Philistine king had sent him away not wanting his help for lack of trust. When he got to his home at Ziklag, he discovered the Amalekites had invaded it, burned it and taken his wives and children captive. He was in deep grief. His faithful men who had been with him all this time were so distressed over the situation that they accused David that it was his fault and talked about stoning him to death. What are you to do?

 

Job also experienced "one of those days". He lost all his cattle, his sheep, his oxen, his servants and his children, all in one day. What are you to do?

 

For us "one of those days" may come in many forms. Your car breaks down, the boss calls you in and tells you you're fired, the doctor gives you a bad report, your son runs away from home, you sit on your glasses and break them, you get distressing news about a loved one, the list is endless. What are you to do?

 

What are you to do? The Bible says that David "encouraged himself in the Lord his God". He strengthened himself. He "girded" up himself with God's word and promises. He "tied" them to his heart and mind. This is one way we "encourage" ourselves. "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13) You "gird" up your mind with God's word and His promises. You hold fast to them regardless of what is happening around you. You renew your mind with them and trust in God's faithfulness to do what He said He would do. David was distressed, what he saw grieved him, but he took hold of the promises that God had made to him and knew that if God made them, He would bring them to pass. 

 

What are you to do? The Bible says that when Job received his bad news, he "worshipped". Job literally bowed himself to the ground and gave God reverence and prayed to Him. We "worship" by humbling ourselves before the Lord, recognizing who He is, and praying to Him about the situation. "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6)

 

When we are going through the valley of the shadow of death, when we are being tested on every side, when we are in a fiery trial, when our world is fallen apart, when all hope seems lost, when destruction is all around us, when the storm is raging, the lions are roaring, the sun is setting, what are we to do? We follow these examples to encourage ourselves in the Lord by remembering and holding fast to His word and promises and binding them to our minds; and we worship the Lord through our praise and prayers.

 

Have a great day. When you are having "one of those days", encourage yourself in the Lord.

 

For further reading:

Job 1:20