There are going to be times when you’re going to have to remind yourself of God’s presence to be encouraged, either because your friends are not there to do so or because they’re discouraged themselves. This happened to David in 1 Samuel 30. David and his men had just returned home from what was probably a routine kind of and reason for travel, only to find everything had been invaded and burned, and their families were taken captive. Everyone wept until they couldn’t anymore, then in their grief and distress, some began to murmur of stoning David to death.
David was between a rock and a hard place, squished between the two. Everyone was at a loss for what to do. But David encouraged himself in the Lord by seeking God’s direction in prayer (1 Samuel 30:6-8). Because David did so, God encouraged Him, and things went well from there. David believed what God had told him and went with his men to rescue their families, and they got everyone back!
Whether your friends aren’t there to encourage you or whether they’re the ones who need encouraging, you should know how to seek encouragement yourself from God. Even if your friends aren’t there for you or if they’re the ones being part of the discouragement, God is always there for you and ready to hold you up if you’ll seek His help and comfort.
Related:
Notes of Encouragement
A Little Extra Encouragement
Friendly Encouragement