Encourage Yourself

Hello RAWC Stars!!! It’s always good to have someone who you can talk to when you’re “going thru”. It’s a blessing to have that special person who will say “you can do it” or “don’t give up!” But there comes a time (or times) in everyone’s life when one must stand alone. Your best friend may be preoccupied with wedding plans/new baby, your Pastor/Priest may be away on a much deserved vacation and your mother may live too far away for you to have that personal one to one conversation. Even the dog may be too preoccupied with burying bones to listen to you babble on about the issues of life. Times like this require us to go inside of ourselves and pull out that inner strength that indwells us, tap into that “power” and even bring to remembrance some of those words of wisdom imparted into us from our loved ones, spiritual leaders and mentors. Sometimes you just have to encourage yourself! The other night I got the most wonderful treat and was blessed to hear Ms. Sheri Jones-Moffett sing live (and I do mean SING) as she ministered one of my favorite songs entitled “Encourage Yourself”. This song is a reality check as much as it is an encouragement because when you think about what it is that motivates, inspires, encourages, draws out, cleanses, relates, empowers and presses us to move forward, it mostly comes from something internal as opposed to external. The greatest tool that we have is on the inside of us. The power of God is available to all who believe and it’s not found in your bank account, in your degrees, social status and it’s not on Facebook, Twitter or MySpace. In fact at the very moment you need it the most, it comes from the source that is often looked to the least. We underestimate our own strength but one of my favorite scriptures in the bible comes from II Corinthians 12:9 which is God gently reminding us that “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." So even at my very weakest moments, I am still encouraged because I am not only resting in the arms and wings of the Almighty but I am tapping into my ultimate source of strength right on the inside of me! Can I get a “Hallelujah”!

So with that said I want to give you all some encouragement today and some scriptures that will breathe life into your dead situations as you rise up and encourage yourself on THIS day that the Lord has made. Speak life and not death into your situation when you’re going through troubled times.

1. I am the head and not the tail. I am above and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)
2. I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)
3. I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)
4. I am more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37)
5. No weapon formed against me shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17)
6. Greater is He that is within me than he that is in the world (I John 4:4)
7. The joy of the Lord is my strength (Nehemiah 8:10)
8. If God is for me who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)


Speak life and not death into your situation when you’re going through some troubled times. Stop negating your entire world by speaking "death." Let’s rid ourselves of phrases like “if it’s not one thing it’s another” and “nothing is going to ever change." Always remember that we serve a God who is very resourceful and has all power and might in His hands. Just knowing that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me gives me that extra boost of reassurance (like the hymn ‘Blessed Assurance’!) When I have dealt with financial struggles in the past, I would always go back to Psalm 23 which begins with “the Lord is my Shepard, I shall not want”. In times of illness I proclaim that by His stripes I am healed. When I think about His faithfulness I realize how true His word becomes as soon as I apply it. Sometimes you have to talk it out, or even walk it out but don’t give up or give in. Believers go through adversity and hard times just like everyone else. We are not exempt. But the difference is that when the storms of life hit us hard, we have an advocate through Jesus Christ who is interceding on our behalf to our Heavenly Father. Most importantly we have the power to overcome and land in victory! When I think about all of this, I can’t help but be encouraged so if you are in need of a little “pick me up” today… know that all of your dreams, hopes, prayers, and desires lie within YOU. Encourage yourself! (Sing Sheri!!!)

Joy & Blessings!