I’ve had to deal with some crazy stuff in my life. Things that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  I have walked through valley’s that seemed so dark I didn’t know if I would ever see the light of day again.  In the spirit of being transparent there were two spans of time, in particular, I fought suicidal thoughts.  [Not many people know that but, well, now you do.]  I didn’t ask for the tsunami of emotions that consumed me.  It felt like I was being pulled helplessly out to sea with no chance of survival.  The harder I fought, the stronger the current drew me into the abyss.  That dark cloud quietly fell over my heart and mind because of my moment of weakness.  I let my guard down and the enemy slipped in.  I’m ashamed to say— I allowed it, though it was completely unintentional.  In both situations there was a single moment of clarity—a glimmer of light—that drew me away.  Thankfully, both times that glimmer was my life raft.  It was just the thing to bring me back from the confusion, pain, and shame that swirled around me.  It didn’t immediately change my situation but it was enough to bring me back to my right mind-to a place where I could begin hearing from God rather than letting my own “stuff” consume me.

There are lots of things in our lives we need to forget. Times of betrayal, hurt, misery—you know, the baggage we carry that becomes the company we can expect to visit us during those pity party moments.  But then there are other moments we need to remember and hold tight to.  In my mind I see little David (some speculate he was between the ages of 10 and 13) standing in that field getting ready to fight Goliath.  He could have been intimidated by the giant that stood before him but he wasn’t.  Rather than run home scared to Daddy he responds, “Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God.” [1 Sam 17:36]  Knowing what God has brought us through is artillery in our hands.  No longer are we walking into battle hoping things will go in our favor.  We’ve experienced it.  If He brought us through before, what makes this time any different?  We simply have to step back, take aim, and fire!  David learned early in his life, specifically in the story above, how to ‘encourage himself in the Lord.’  When was the last time you encouraged yourself in the Lord?  This can be something as simple as reminding yourself what God has brought you through.  Testify to yourself!  You know what I’m talking about.  Those times when God provided and we knew there wasn’t enough money in the bank to pay that bill.  Those moments when that family member that should have died but made a miraculous recovery.  Those moments where He lifted us out of the fire and we didn’t even smell like smoke when we came out.  I want to encourage you today to suit up men/women of God!  If the devil wants to accuse and remind us of our past failures, let’s remind him of his future!!!  You may not always feel like it but, with God on your side you’re ALWAYS an overcomer!

Closing remarks and encouragement: I learned a long time ago, sometimes the only way to deal with a bully is to fight back.  Thankfully we don’t fight alone.  With God on our side……THE VICTORY IS OURS!  Let’s do this!!!

Have a blessed week, my friends!!!