Overcoming Pessimism by Encouraging YOURSELF

Do you ever feel like you are too much? If you are in a season of discouragement and know you are not called to lean on your friends and family (like a dead weight), remember King David.

This great man learned the powerful art of encouraging himself in the Lord.

Let’s focus on the character David developed to get him to this place:

-He celebrated small victories.

-He celebrated intimacy with God.

-He focused on what he could control and gave God the rest.

-He used Biblical Affirmations to dismantle negative belief systems.

As a young girl, my mom reared to believe my value came from abandoning my needs to be more present and helpful to others.

For years, I struggled with deep shame for taking the time to care for myself.

This opened me up to:

-Becoming an unhealthy co-dependent.

-losing myself in the agenda of others.

-becoming resentful.

-not knowing what I required to live happy and fulfilled so I could bless others from my overflow.

-Becoming isolated because I was tired of being used, I didn’t believe my worth outside of serving others.

When you are implemented with this deeply rooted mindset of earning your value, you must become intentional in removing the shame for caring for yourself. No one else will do this!

Give yourself the grace to grow into your next level!  We all know growth takes time, effort, and investment. It doesn’t happen overnight or by accident.  But those who invest wisely, look back and know the growing pains were worth the freedom on the other side.  I hope and pray to see you on the brighter side of life.

jVerse:

“And David was greatly distressed for the people talked of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in spirit, each over his sons and daughters.  But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Side note: The Igniting Hope 40 day devotional by Steve Backlund helped me learn to replace negative belief systems with healthier, more productive ones.