Encourage Yourself In The Lord

Encourage Yourself In The Lord

As we begin a new work week I want to encourage you. (I'm certainly having to encourage myself...students return to school this week. Lord help me! .) This week you will no doubt face challenges and pressures. You will possibly have to deal with: -dead-lines, -a heavy work load, -a demanding boss, -irritating co-workers, -gossip, -backbiting, -hardships, -unreasonable demands, -favoritism, -disappointment, -unkind words, -disrespect, -a lack of appreciation, -difficult tasks, -negativity, -irate clients/customers/students, -and more. It won't be pleasant. It won't be fun. It won't be satisfying. You may be pushed to your breaking point.

But in the midst of it all remember and follow the admonition of Ephesians 5:19_ "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." It's easily to get caught up in the negativity of life. We are prone to start thinking about and talking about (focusing on) negative things...problems...disappointments...hurts. Guess what? None of that helps. It doesn't make your life better. It doesn't bring you joy. Do you know what really works? Encouraging yourself in the Lord.

Ephesians 5:19 says one way to do that is my "making melody in your heart to the Lord." Whistle, hum, softly sing or simply think about a good spiritual song. It will give you a happy heart. It will lighten your load and brighten your day. Some people have been singing the same old sad song most of their life. That's why they stay discouraged and depressed. They are never able to break out of their funk. If you want rise above the sorrows that have been suffocating you, do what the Word tells you..."sing unto the Lord a new song." We are also encouraged to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Try it...it works! It will bring you joy in the Lord and that my friends is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10) Shalom!!!

Author: Pastor Dale Croft