Brothers and sisters, I want to talk to you today about the importance of encouraging yourself. The song says it so well: “Sometimes you have to encourage yourself.” When the world knocks you down, when you feel defeated, that’s when you have to speak victory over your test. No matter how you feel in that moment, speak the word of the Lord, and watch as you are healed. You must speak over yourself and encourage yourself in the Lord! Just as the lyrics tell us, sometimes you have to be your own cheerleader and “pat your own self on the back.”
So many of you have been through a lot this week, including me. Things have happened that you can’t forget, and the memory of that pain lingers on. But take heart, for Scripture tells us that God is a God of justice. The book of Proverbs reminds us that those who cause harm will ultimately face consequences: “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein.” And the book of Deuteronomy assures us that “Vengeance is mine, and recompense,” and that “the things that come upon them make haste,” meaning God will handle those who wrong his children swiftly and surely.
Think about the story of Joseph. His brothers, consumed by jealousy, stripped him of his special coat and threw him into a pit. But even when they sold him into slavery, God was with him. In the end, Joseph’s faith and resilience led him to become a powerful leader. So, even when others try to dig a pit for you, remember that God can take what was meant for evil and use it for your good.
Psalm 101:7 also says, “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.”
Look at how God works. His wonders are truly amazing. During our worst trials, as long as we go through the trials and they don’t stop us, we will come out on the other side better than before. It is the quitter who will not make it.
Though this is not an ideal situation, each of us must keep our hands in the hands of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord! The Scriptures have proven to be correct. What’s done in the dark will truly come to the light. A liar cannot tarry and will not tarry, say the Scriptures!
In closing, continue to encourage yourself. Many of us are going through changes in our country — changes we never dreamed would happen, especially in the federal government with the thousands of layoffs.
It is happening, my friends. Things are changing in the United States of America every day. We must pray for ourselves, and we must pray for others. Speak over yourself, cling to those around you who are helpers, and keep those around you who encourage you and believe in you. Finally, stay away from those who bring your spirits down! Trust me, it is bad enough already, without somebody speaking negative words over you that you do not need to hear!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, go to her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
