Don't mind me, I'm just over here in the trial of my life and having church in my kitchen. And don't be all self-righteous and act like you don't know what I'm talking about.
When I'm down, I just put on some gospel music and have me a good prayer meeting. Or even when I'm happy, and a song comes to my heart, I can just feel it in my bones. Speak life over yourself, encourage yourself in the Lord!
I know how it is. I'll join in with you! I know what it's like to be down. I know what it's like to feel discouraged. This mama knows your pain, I know your heart. I have been there too.
But God has a purpose and God has a plan, so You just stand. Sang about it, Donnie!
Sometimes it's hard to know how to encourage yourself in the lord, so let's talk about how to make it happen.
7 Ways to Encourage Yourself in the Lord
1. Speak Life
I'm not one of those name-it-claim-it-blab-it-grab-it folks. But the Bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
We control the environment of our surroundings with our words. Shouldn't they speak life!?
2. Pray for joy
There is no powerful tool given to the Christian than the ability to reach out to the Father freely. He cares for you. James 1 is so good. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God," James 1:5 "The hope of the righteous shall be gladness" Proverbs 10:28
3. Read Encouraging Scriptures
The book of Philippians is sometimes referred to as the Book of Joy. But did you know that Paul wrote the book of Philippians while he was in jail? Could you imagine finding joy in such a place?
I've even read that in Bible days it was better being a slave than a prisoner. Sometimes it's hard for us to find joy in our freedom, but imagine being martyred for the Gospel's sake and still finding joy! [Grab our free printable Read the Bible in a Year Plan here.]
4. Take good fellowship
One of the worst things a Christian can do when they are struggling is to take up counsel from the ungodly. What good are the unfruitful works to God?
Be sure that your lingering fellowship is with those who can lift you up both physically AND spiritually. Find friends that will love you enough to reprove you in the time of need and encourage you through the times of sorrow.
5. Find yourself in church
When we are struggling, we do our best to make it into the church house as much as possible. We have traveled for hours one way just to be in one service for God to move through us.
Not only is this sacrifice pleasing unto God, but it's encouraging to constantly be in an atmosphere where His presence is sought.
6. Think on good thoughts
Think about the Negative Nancy in your life. We all have one. Don't you just get tired of hearing about how terrible everything is? Isn't it so depressing? Don't turn into a Negative Nancy when you're down.
Think on good thoughts. Remind yourself of the things God has blessed you with, think about the trials He brought you through, remember where He brought you from, and think yourself happy!
7. Do something that makes you happy.
Hang out with your friends, read a book, get a pedicure, spend time with your family, go for a bike ride. Find something that brings you joy, even if it's temporal, and do it. For that time, give your burdens to Jesus and find joy in His creation and the things He's blessed you with.
