Encouraging Yourself

King David is remembered not so much for his exploits, but for his character, for being 'a man after God's own heart.' Character defines our communion with God, not our deeds. To conquer ourselves and our passions, and to live for God, is to fight a battle greater than slaying Goliath, and to face an enemy greater than Saul. This was David's most heroic act, and proved his true character. This rising up to 'encourage himself in the Lord' at such a severely trying time did not happen suddenly, but was the evidence of an ongoing fellowship with his great God.