Encouraging Yourself in the Lord

Encouraging Yourself in the Lord

By Ted Mock

September 16, 2026

1 Samuel 30:6 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.

The last few weeks I have experienced some distressing times in the ministry. Nothing like David, no one is about to stone me, at least not yet, but distressing, nonetheless. There is no need to burden you with any of the details because every believer will go through distressing times. I am sure you can think of such a time if you are not in one now.

The question is, how do find encouragement in times of distress?

One of the things I deal with is the battle that sometimes rages in my mind. I call that “stinking thinking.” It is not the “mind of Christ.”

Tim LaHaye wrote a popular book “The Battle for The Mind” about spiritual warfare. To win against Satan in the battle for our minds, we must cultivate the “mind of Christ” in our walk with the Lord. In Philippians, Paul gives the keys to be likeminded with Christ, with our brothers in Christ, and with God’s Word.

I need to remember where Christ found me when I was lost and undone, without hope and peace. I was not looking for Him, but praise God, He came looking for me on Oxmoor Drive off Three Notch Road, in Mobile Alabama. Everything changed, not just my eternal destination, but my whole life.

I need to remember what God has done for me ever since He found me. He has been good to me, in the good times, and in the bad times. I need to remember that because I am now His child, and because He has never failed me, He never will.

Now that’s encouraging!

Reflection—The strength of the Living God makes itself real in distressed hearts. Love, forgiveness, and help are ever flowing.