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HELEN SANDERS
4-14-2026
ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD
David had been anointed king by Samuel, but Saul, the reigning king, spent years trying to kill David. David had once been his champion, but the tormenting demons in Saul wanted to bring death to that champion.
David never once tried to have vengeance against Saul. He loved him, and he loved Saul’s son, Jonathan. David had to flee many times to escape Saul’s wrath, and ending up living in Saul’s enemy’s camp.
King Achish of Gath was Saul’s worst enemy. David went to him, along with his men, their wives, and their children. King Achish gave David Ziklag to dwell in. Saul stopped pursuing David when he learned he was with King Achish.
David, his men, and the wives had lived there for nearly a year and a half when King Achish and the other Philistine kings came together to war against Israel. Achish’s comrades did not want David to go with them into battle because they feared he would turn against them. So, King Achish sent him back to Ziklag.
It was a three-day journey, and while they had been gone, the Amalekites had invaded Ziklag. They captured David and his men’s wives and children and burned the city down. When David arrived and saw what had happened his men wanted to kill him. He had no one to turn to, but God. So, he encouraged himself in the Lord. This was nothing new to David. He spent hours in the presence of God, and knew God intimately.
He sought the Lord and the Lord said go fight the Amalekites and you will win the battle. David and his men did so, and they all got their families back along with much spoil.
Have you found yourself in a place where you have done what you know is right, but your friends and family have turned against you? Has everything of value in your life been stolen by Satan, just as it was with David? Then you are in the perfect place for God to move on your behalf.
Do what David did. Speak the promises of God over yourself. Remind yourself of the many times that God has come through for you, and do not give up. Stand with God and his promises. You have the best defense ever with God on your side. Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord and watch God restore what Satan has stolen and bring you victory.
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