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Have you ever felt down and out? Sometimes, we describe these feelings as discouragement or depression. We all encounter days, sometimes weeks when we feel this way. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we may find ourselves “down in the dumps.” How we choose to deal with these challenging times will determine how we get through them.

 In 1 Samuel 30, King David and his men return from battle only to find that their wives and children have been taken captive. The men become so upset with King David that they contemplate stoning him. However, by the end of the chapter, King David and his men have successfully recovered everything. I want to draw your attention to 1 Samuel 30:6: “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”

 David responded to his discouragement by encouraging himself in the Lord. Here are a few simple ways to do that:

 

  1. **Turn to God in prayer.** Prayer is a powerful tool that we often fail to utilize. Too often, we try everything else first, and only when that doesn’t work do we turn to prayer (Psalms 34:17).

 

  1. **Remember God's faithfulness.** Reflect on all the times God has helped you in the past and the blessings He has provided. God has always been faithful to us, and He always will be! (Lamentations 3:21-23).

 

  1. **Surround yourself with encouraging people.** Some individuals thrive on drama and negative emotions. It’s crucial to surround yourself with people who will encourage and uplift you spiritually. 

 

Each of us will face discouragement and depression at some point. Let us seek God and find our encouragement and strength in Him!