From Who You Are, Not From How You Feel

One of my favorite portions of Scriptures are the writings of King David. David, although far from perfect, was a remarkable man.

David was overshadowed as a young man by the might of his brothers, but He was proving who he really was out in the fields guarding the sheep.

David was considered a delivery boy not a warrior, but he killed Goliath on the battle field.

David was treated horribly by King Saul, but he continued to honor the king and refused to raise his sword toward him.

David was constantly betrayed, attacked, and accused almost always unjustly. Even still he continued to honor God, honor people, and be the man God called him to be. 

You and I will very likely experience, and have likely experienced pressure, judgement, false accusation, and criticism from others. Chances are, this will not stop on this side of heaven. I hope for many of those difficult seasons we are surrounded by people who love God, and love us and come alongside to encourage and support in difficult times. But, there will be times when difficulty comes, and there is no one there to bear our burdens with us. What are we to do in those moments?

We are to pray, trust, and believe from who we are, not from how we feel.

David modeled this extremely well. In Psalm 43:5 he says, "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."

David would speak to the discouragement in himself and call it out. "Why are you upset soul? What do you have to worry about? You are loved by God and He is good! Let's praise Him!"

I don't know what you're facing this week, and I don't know the thoughts or feelings that may be spinning around inside your head, but please allow me to encourage you. Pray, speak and proclaim who you are, and who you belong to, don't just repeat the negative feelings or circumstances that are trying to swallow you up. 

Put your hope in God and praise Him. You are loved by Him, and He is so very good.