Hey Friends,

Let’s be honest, we all get discouraged. Life can throw some serious stuff at us and it is easy to let negativity and defeat take over. At those times in life we all need someone to step in and encourage us, but what do you do when no one is there to help you? How do you get yourself out of the funk and defeat? You have to do it alone!

That is exactly what King David did when he was in this kind of spot! The Scripture says: “He strengthened himself in the Lord.” This is one of his greatest attributes. This is how he was so successful in loving God and leading the nation of Israel in difficult times.

One day he and his men came home from work and it was gone! EVERYTHING WAS GONE. Their families, flocks, herds-everything they owned and loved. They all cried out in anguish and defeat. Then they turned on David and said, “Let’s stone him.” That is what I call a bad day! There was no one there to encourage David; remember his wives and kids were gone as well. Everyone was prepared to take their frustrations and anger out on him. He was the leader. Ever felt like David?

That is when it says, “David strengthened himself in the Lord.” If there is no one else to encourage you then you have to do it yourself, just like David did.

Step one: CHANGE THE CHANNEL. All he hears, feels, and sees is negative, doom and gloom, and no hope for victory. No one saw any hope to make this right or to turn things around. He had to stop listening to them. It is O.K., you can change the channel.

Step two: Remember past victories. Remember when God came through in your life and moved to help you. Trust He will do it again. Rehearse how God had moved in and how much He cares. Block out the negative people around you or they will eventually stone you.

Step three: Take charge. David stood up and said let’s go get our families back, we have won before and we will win again. He did, and they not only got their families back, but they got even more than they had before.

For some of you reading this blog you need to change the channel from defeat to victory. Start by encouraging yourself. Time for the channel of victory. Remember all God has done. Think of His great power. Bask in His Word and in His ability. Quit cursing yourself with negative self-talk and start strengthening yourself in the Lord.

Are you ready to rally to victory? All winners encourage themselves. You are a winner.

Love ya,

Pastor Chris