You're referring to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10!
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
This passage is often referred to as Paul's "thorn in the flesh" section, where he shares about a personal struggle that God allowed him to experience (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Despite his human weakness, Paul acknowledges that God's grace and power are sufficient for him. He chooses to focus on God's strength rather than his own, even when faced with difficulties.
In this passage, Paul is essentially saying that he encourages himself in the Lord by:
1. Recognizing God's sufficiency: Paul understands that God's power is made perfect in his weakness (v. 9). This realization gives him confidence to rely on God's strength.
2. Boasting in weaknesses: Instead of hiding or minimizing his imperfections, Paul chooses to "boast all the more gladly" about his weaknesses, knowing that this allows God's power to dwell in him (v. 9).
3. Delighting in difficulties: Paul sees challenges as opportunities to experience God's strength and to demonstrate His power through his life (v. 10).
By encouraging himself in the Lord in this way, Paul demonstrates a trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with personal struggles. This passage has been a source of inspiration and encouragement for many believers throughout history!
A great choice!
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
This verse encourages believers to support and uplift each other in their faith journeys. It's a reminder that we don't have to go through difficult times alone, and that our relationships with fellow believers can be a powerful source of motivation and encouragement.
Here are some ways you can apply this principle to your own life:
1. **Surround yourself with positive influences**: Spend time with people who build you up and encourage you in your faith.
2. **Be an encouragement to others**: Look for opportunities to support and uplift those around you, whether it's through words of affirmation or acts of kindness.
3. **Pray for one another**: Lift up your fellow believers in prayer, asking God to bless and guide them as they follow Him.
4. **Meet together regularly**: Join a small group, attend church services, or participate in Bible studies to connect with other believers and be encouraged in your faith.
Remember, when we encourage each other in the Lord, we're not just helping our fellow believers – we're also being built up ourselves!
You're likely thinking of Psalm 34:4, which says:
"I sought the Lord and He answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears."
This verse is encouraging because it shows that when we seek God's help, He is always available to answer us. The psalmist, David, had been in a situation where he was afraid or worried about something, but instead of letting fear consume him, he turned to the Lord and received deliverance.
The phrase "delivered me from all my fears" is especially reassuring because it suggests that God can take away our deepest anxieties and worries. When we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, this verse reminds us that we can cast our cares on Jesus (1 Peter 5:7) and trust that He will guide us through difficult times.
This encouragement from Psalm 34:4 is especially relevant when we're facing uncertainties or feeling fearful about the future. By seeking God's help and guidance, we can find peace and confidence in His presence, even in the midst of turmoil.
David, the King of Israel, is a great example of someone who encouraged himself in the Lord. In Psalm 43:4, he writes:
"Then I offered up my prayer to you, O God, at this time,
while my enemy was watching me;
as I prayed, I praised you, though you were not pleased with me.
But in your great love for me,
you kept back the enemy and helped me."
Here are a few things that encouraged David in the Lord:
1. **Honesty with God**: David was willing to acknowledge his struggles and doubts before God (Psalm 42:11). He didn't try to sugarcoat his emotions or pretend everything was okay when it wasn't.
2. **Prayer**: David prayed to God, pouring out his heart and soul before Him (Psalm 43:4). Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and find comfort in His presence.
3. **Praise**: Even in the midst of adversity, David chose to praise God (Psalm 43:4). Praise can shift our focus from our problems to God's goodness and faithfulness.
4. **Trust**: David trusted that God was good and loving, even when he didn't feel like it (Psalm 42:11). Trusting God means believing in His sovereignty and provision, even when things don't make sense.
5. **Faith**: David's faith was rooted in God's character and promises (Psalm 43:3-4). He believed that God would deliver him from his enemies and help him through difficult times.
By encouraging himself in the Lord, David found the strength to keep going, even when things seemed bleak. His example reminds us that we can face our challenges with confidence and hope, knowing that God is always with us.
I think you're referring to Psalm 42:11, which says:
"As for me, I will call upon God; and the Lord shall save me. Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and strain my voice like her that hath none to help."
This passage is often referred to as "Encourage Yourself" because it speaks to the importance of praying and seeking God's help in times of need.
In this context, King David is expressing his trust in God and his desire to seek His guidance and deliverance. He acknowledges that he has no one else to turn to for help, so he turns to God in prayer, both morning and evening, as well as at noon (a time of weariness).
This passage encourages us to:
1. Seek God in times of need: David's experience teaches us that even when we feel overwhelmed or alone, we can turn to God and seek His help.
2. Trust in God's deliverance: Like David, we can trust that God will save us from our troubles if we call upon Him.
3. Prioritize prayer: The passage emphasizes the importance of consistent prayer, both morning and evening, as well as during times of need.
Overall, Psalm 42:11 encourages us to encourage ourselves in the Lord, trusting in His goodness and provision even when life gets tough!
A wonderful verse!
"Encourage yourselves daily as to abide in the love of God, because Christ Jesus is in you, whether present or absent." - 2 Corinthians 5:6 (NKJV)
In this context, "encourage yourselves" means to be motivated and strengthened by your relationship with God. The idea is that as believers, we are to regularly remind ourselves of our connection with the Lord, which should fill us with confidence, hope, and joy.
To "abide in the love of God" means to remain deeply rooted in His love, just like a branch remains connected to the vine. This abiding is not just about being aware of God's love but also about experiencing it, feeling its power, and letting it shape our thoughts, words, and actions.
The phrase "because Christ Jesus is in you" emphasizes that as believers, we have the Spirit of God dwelling within us (Romans 8:9). This indwelling presence gives us a sense of security, peace, and guidance. Whether we are physically present with other believers or not, our connection to Christ remains constant.
In essence, "encourage yourselves in the Lord" means:
1. Recognize your relationship with God and the hope it brings (Colossians 1:3-4).
2. Regularly reflect on His love for you and how it shapes your life (1 Corinthians 13:13).
3. Draw strength from knowing that Christ is present within you, guiding and empowering you (Philippians 4:13).
By doing so, we can:
* Stay grounded in our faith
* Overcome doubts and fears
* Experience God's peace and joy
* Share His love with others
May these words encourage your heart to stay deeply rooted in the Lord!
A powerful topic!
The story of David encouraging himself in the Lord is a beautiful and instructive one. In 1 Samuel 30:6, we read:
"But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
This passage occurs after a devastating defeat at the hands of the Amalekites, who had attacked Ziklag while David was away fighting against the Philistines. When David returned to find that his wives and children had been taken captive, he and his men were heartbroken.
In this dark moment, David didn't cry out to God in anger or despair. Instead, he took a moment to "strengthen himself" - literally, to make himself strong again. He did this by reminding himself of God's faithfulness and power:
* Verse 6: "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God."
* Verse 7: "He said to his men, 'Don't be afraid! We are going to pursue these raiders, for we will get back everything they have taken.'"
By encouraging himself in the Lord, David did three things that we can learn from:
1. **Acknowledged God's sovereignty**: David recognized that God was in control, even in the midst of chaos and defeat. This acknowledgment gave him confidence that God would work everything out for good.
2. **Found comfort in God's presence**: By "strengthening himself in the Lord his God," David found comfort and peace in God's presence. He knew that no matter what happened, he could trust in God's goodness and power.
3. **Focused on God's promises**: David's encouragement was not just a feeling or emotional response; it was based on God's promises. He reminded himself of God's faithfulness and power to deliver him from danger.
As we face our own challenges and setbacks, we can learn from David's example:
* When you're facing uncertainty or fear, take time to "strengthen yourself in the Lord" - acknowledge His sovereignty, find comfort in His presence, and focus on His promises.
* Remember that God is always with us, even when things seem dark and hopeless. He will help us overcome our struggles and achieve victory.
May this powerful example of David encouraging himself in the Lord inspire you to trust in God's goodness and power, no matter what you're facing!
A great topic! Here are some encouraging "Encourage yourself in the Lord" quotes:
1. **"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."** - Psalm 71:14 (NIV) - May these words remind us to encourage ourselves in the Lord's promises of hope.
2. **"May my meditation be pleasing to Him; as for His comfort, let Your servant delight in it."** - Psalm 104:34 (NKJV) - Let us meditate on God's Word and find comfort in His presence.
3. **"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."** - Psalm 32:7 (NIV) - May we find shelter in the Lord and encourage ourselves with His promises of protection and deliverance.
4. **"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and became my deliverer."** - Psalm 34:6 (NKJV) - Let us seek the Lord's guidance and encouragement in times of need.
5. **"For God alone, O Lord, is my Rock, in Him I take refuge; do not indeed afflict me!"** - Psalm 71:3-4 (NIV) - May we find our Rock in the Lord and encourage ourselves to trust in His goodness.
6. **"And this hope will not disappoint us, for God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."** - Romans 5:5 (NIV) - Let the hope of eternal life with Jesus be our encouragement and comfort.
7. **"Consider the Lord to be your very great reward, as His recompense is with Him forevermore."** - Psalm 63:11 (NKJV) - May we consider the Lord's presence and provision in our lives a constant source of encouragement.
8. **"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful."** - Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) - Let the peace of God guide us and encourage us as we trust in His goodness.
9. **"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled."** - Matthew 5:6 (NIV) - May our desire for righteousness and intimacy with God be our encouragement to press on in faith.
10. **"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."** - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) - May these words of promise from God be our encouragement to trust in His good plans for us.
May these quotes encourage you to draw near to God and find comfort in His presence.