David had met with hard times before, but this time he came home to total surprise. The enemy had burned the town where his family was and had taken his wives captive. Then the people who followed him turned on him and were ready to stone him. He had no one else to turn to but the Lord. There are times in our lives when we find ourselves in discouraging circumstances and there is no one around to encourage us. It is at these times we need to do what David did. He "encouraged himself in the Lord." Not long ago I was working late at night, (I throw papers), when I found myself needing some encouragement. However, when it is 2:30 in the morning and you are around by yourself, there is no one to talk to, not even your wife. It was then the Lord brought these verses to mind, but my question was, "how do I encourage myself?" The emphasis on "himself" means that there was something he could do to help when being discouraged; but what? Here are a few things the Lord gave me to do to encourage myself:

A. God's Leadership. Ps. 42:6

B. God's Works. Ps. 77:10-13

C. God's Power. Ps. 63:1-2

D. God's Salvation. 2 Peter 1:9-13

2. BELIEVE

A. We will see God's goodness again. Ps. 27:13-14

B. His word. Rom. 8:28-39, 2 Cor. 1:8-10