Encouraged in the Lord

... but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.- 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV)

Leadership is lonely business. David knew that firsthand. He had personal knowledge of what toll leadership could take on a man. There was an issue at hand, and the situation caused a stir among the camp, leaving David as the King James Version states distressed. David sought the Lord.

You may find yourself in a similar leadership position. The people are up in arms about something. They are doing anything but singing your praises. You wish you could cut your losses and leave them all behind, but that would not demonstrate genuine leadership. You, much like David, will need to encourage yourself in the Lord your God.

You will need to do something. You will need to do something on your own as a leader.

You are going to need to:

• Know the Lord: David had a personal relationship with the Lord. He had personal experience with the Lord from his days as a shepherd and when he slayed the giant Goliath. You will need to reference your personal experiences with God.
• Go to the Lord: David sought the Lord. He went to the Lord with his troubles and distress. He gave his burdens over to the Lord. If you know God, then you can go to God. You can carry your troubles to Him.
• Let the Lord Lead You: David relied upon the Lord as his Shepherd. He trusted the Lord. He dealt with his troubles by accepting the Lord's answers with assurance. He was able to face his fears with the Lord leading the way. You have to let God lead you. Failing to do so is failing to have faith. Have enough faith to trust Him.
• Leave it All in the Lord's Hands: David took his worries to the Lord and let the Lord lead him, but he left the rest in the Lord's hands. He didn't try to play God. He just went with what God told him and left it at that. Playing God is God's role, not yours. Let God be God and you be submissive to God.