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Sometimes we need to give ourselves a pep-talk... |
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Written by Rhea Dooley
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Monday, 07 June 2010 11:21 |
So many thoughts are going through my head right now. It's so difficult for me to capture just one to write about, or at least stay on subject...especially with what was preached to us today. I'll try my best, so here it goes. The last few weeks I've not had
the best attitude towards anything. I've felt myself spiraling out of control. I've had such a bout with depression lately and I can't stand it. I can't get out of bed. I haven't been into the Word lately at all. That's not like me. I know it has to do with all the extra responsibilities in my life. Yes there are things in my life that [when other's look at me will say] "You don't HAVE to do that." Well, I'm learning to say no to the things that are low on my list of priorities but there are a lot on my list as high priorities. I also know that God gives assignments and He's given me quite a few. So sorting through that list and hoping that I'm on the same page as God has been difficult. So needless to say, my insecurity and anxiety levels have been pretty high. Even though God wouldn't give us more than we can handle in life doesn't mean it's easy. Sometimes it's quite difficult.
I'm not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me. I'm telling you this hoping that I might relate to a few of you. I won't go into detail as to what is going on in my life, for that is irrelevant to what I am trying to get across.
What I want to tell you today is to encourage yourself...don't wait for others to do it. Those "others", aren't always around when you need them. Instead get into the Word and encourage yourself through God's Words. He's the best encourager there is.
The evangelist that spoke to us today had us go to Psalm 103:1-5. If you've never read it let me write these verses down for you. I love how the Amplified version writes it. Here, David "the man after God's own heart" seems a little down. He could even be very down for all we know but this is what he writes.
Psalm 103:1-5 [Amplified]
1 BLESS (AFFECTIONATELY, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--
3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!(A)
Notice, in the first two verses David was giving himself a little talking to. He says "BLESS THE LORD, O MY SOUL." I can hear David now..."Come on buddy, this down feelin just doesn't cut it. Get your spirit in gear, we have too much to do to be down and out." GOD HAS A PURPOSE FOR ME TODAY and my attitude better straighten up and I better get some joy! He won't be able to use me until it is right and ready to be used of Him."
Now catch the middle of that first verse...it says "and ALL that is within me". Ok, now that three letter word means alot here. That means with your ENTIRE being. Top to bottom. Mind, body and soul. Those of you who know me, and you don't have to know me well to know that I'm a very passionate person. When I'm very passionate about something you know it...it's not just my voice that shows it...my body and soul are both involved. My passion is sometimes way too much for those around me. [I try to tone it down, but that's not how God made me!] SORRY!!!
Don't forget David knew how to praise and bless God with ALL that was within him. He's the man who danced down the streets of Israel praising God and worshiping with all he had. So understand, when David said ALL he means ALL!! If we can get excited for the sports we are involved in then by golly we better be able to get excited about our creator and all that He's done for us!
My problem has been, I've not been that excited about my God. I've just been too tired stressed and insecure to be excited. So I got to thinking of all that God has done for me. He's done so many things for me in my past and present. That I get excited thinking about my future. Then I started gettin a little happier. I could feel my soul bubbling over and started praising my God and thanking Him for all He's done because I have a lot to be thankful for!! He has been so good to me! I'm sure if you look closely you'll see where He's been equally as good to you too! [Don't forget where God has brought you from...He let you remember your past so you can be thankful about your future in Him. He let you remember it so you can encourage yourself through what He's done for you.]
Sometimes we have to tell ourselves twice, one time just isn't enough, so look at verse 2, "Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--". Well what are the benefits to blessing the Lord? Look at verses 3, 4, and 5...
3 Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!(A)
WOW!!! That should get your mind, body and soul all into blessing God and praising His wonderful name!!!
So if you're down and out. Or just sick and tired of all the world has thrown at you and you just can't seem to get motivated to be about God's business today. Give yourself a pep talk like David did. Encourage yourself in the Lord. Don't wait for someone else to encourage you. You have a job to do and the only way you'll get it done is if you're in the right frame of mind. Be encouraged today and bless the Lord, for He HAS blessed you!!!
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