March 9, Encourage Yourself

Today’s reading: Psalms 41-45

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” - Psalm 43:5.

You can wait for someone to come along and encourage you if you are discouraged, or you can take up the task and encourage yourself. Once again we see that your self-talk and your specific thoughts are the keys to your attitude, mental health, and behavior. As an example of this truth, David was downcast but he talked himself out of it, ordering his soul to put its trust in God. He also declared that better days were ahead when he would praise God. This is similar to the concept Paul described in Romans 12:1-2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Any personal transformation or change will only take place when you align your thoughts properly to your desired outcome. Is it time you had a talk with your soul? If so, what will you tell it? How do you want it to feel and behave? Be specific and be direct, and don’t give up until you get out of your funk.