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Are You Encouraged?
by Annagail Lynes "David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him...But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God." - (1 Samuel 30:6, AMP) There have been times in all of our lives that everyone seemed to be against us, that everything that could go wrong did. Maybe we have made a decision that is right for us, but one in which our families and friends didn't agree with, like packing up and making a fresh start out of state. In David's case, his people blamed him because they had been in the same circumstances for so long without being with their wives, kids and friends. Sometimes the only people you can count on are you and God...and even you might be iffy. That is when you have to choose to encourage yourself. Choose to be your own cheerleader. These are the times when you choose to thank God for everything you can think of. You woke up this morning? Thank Him for that. You are healthy? Thank Him for that. Roof over your head? Food to eat? A job? Electricity? Running water? Yes, thank God for these as well. Family you love? Friends you adore? Thank God for them. When we turn our attention to what we are grateful for instead of what is going on in our lives, we change our attitude, our perspective. The quickest way to change our lives is by changing our attitude. Even when things look grim, when we are stuck in the same situation, day after day, month after month, year after year, we have to find the good. We have to find something for which to be grateful. There will always be someone better off than you, and someone that is worse off than you. There will always be things you don't have, but don't focus on those. Focus on what you do have. When you focus on gratitude, you can't help but feel happy and encouraged. What can you be grateful for today? Annagail Lynes is a pharmacy technician, certified life coach and ordained minister. She is helping people move forward after trauma by helping them discover their purpose. Follow her blog at 316counseling.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |