There are seasons in life that sometimes cause us to grow distant in our walk with The Lord. This indeed will be the most desolate time in the life of a Saint of God. For whatever the reason may be, Joy and Peace seems to evaporate and we’re left with questions and confusion. Doubt infiltrates the mind and we begin to look at the mountain peak we once stood on with God, and the climb looks unreachable, and the ole spirit of condemnation says the climb will be too rough and not worth it. The enemy will swoop in and whisper “you won’t get back what you’ve lost, so don’t even try.” 

I have indeed encountered this type of experience in my own life and it’s taught me many things about myself, as well as the Loving and Tender Mercies of God. It’s in these lowly seasons where we can produce the most fruit: There isn’t much fertile soil on the Mountain tops!  
If you find yourself in this kind of season may I remind you of a story about King David. There was a time in his life when he lost the voice of God, and all he could see was the seemingly hopeless situation with King Saul. This season drove him away from the presence of God, and David began to rely on himself to find the solution to his problems. He concluded in his heart that he would eventually die by the hand of Saul, so he chose to take control of his dilemma and went into hiding. For 16 months, David lived among the Philistines and eventually found himself going up in battle against the very people he was called and anointed to lead. Through the act of God’s divine mercies, He gave David a way of escape, but when he comes back from war, his family along with all his mens family had been taken captive by a neighboring enemy! This is exactly what the enemy does when we lose our focus and purpose in life. We become self-centered and let our guard down, no longer watching and pray for our own soul as well as the souls of those we love dearly. This results in the enemy sneaking in and robbing us of valuable possessions! Our family, our children, our Joy, our peace, that fire that once fervently burned in our souls becomes nothing more than a whimpering glow! This is where David found himself! He reaches the apex of his despair when his own men turn on him threatening to stone him. In this moment, I believe David reaches back into his memory and pulls out the Psalms stored in his heart. Perhaps the memories of his victories over the Lion, Bear, and even Goliath floods into His mind, and he remembers His strength came from God almighty! Scripture say’s David encouraged himself in The Lord! His perception of his season changed in an instant and he came to himself knowing God had been there the whole time, he had just momentarily lost sight of that fact! 

We too, forget God is still there with an outstretched hand waiting for us to encourage ourselves in The Lord! His hand of mercy is extended beyond what we deserve, yet is Love for us is never ending! The story ends with David praying to The Lord for direction, for he knew not to take another step without the voice of God! The Lord let him know everything would be restored and recovered! David goes back to the enemies camp and recovers all he had lost! Thus, the 16 month season of despair had ended. 

You may find yourself in a similar situation this morning, but may I remind you to Encourage yourself in The Lord this morning! Allow your mind to go back to when you had unspeakable joy that only come from God almighty! Listen to his voice, begin your journey back home and He will guide your steps and allow you to Recover All! We must be willing to fight for what we’ve lost. 

Blessings, JDS