“I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged. He and his troops will panic…” 2 Samuel 17:2

David’s enemies were confident that they would be able to conquer him while catching him when he was both physically exhausted and emotionally spent. The circumstances were sad and extremely grim. This wasn’t the first time he had faced betrayal by the people closest to him, but the pain must have been intensely raw. The good news is, the Lord was his help and deliverance.

The lesson we can take away is this: our enemy, the devil, preys on the weak and discouraged soul. What can we do about it?

First, we can avoid weariness by getting enough sleep and rest. Follow Biblical rhythms of setting one day aside for rejuvenation and joyous relationships. The joy of the Lord is our strength in overcoming adversity.

Secondly we can avoid discouragement and depression by guarding our hearts and minds, and by disciplining our thoughts to center on subjects that follow this criteria:

“Dear brothers and sisters, one final thing: fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8)

That narrows the field considerably! Let’s pray to get the devil off our backs by staying strong and edified!

Father,

I thank you for your Word that gives me keys to live the abundant life you came to offer. Please teach me to live in health, making excellent choices that sustain my strength rather than drain it.

Give me wisdom in my thought life, Lord, so I will not fall into the pit of depression. When I am slipping, Lord, I will cry out to you. Correct my thoughts as I rein them in and give me grace to decide what to think about. I will meditate on your blessings and all the gifts you have given me. I will magnify You and not the problems, for the problems are so small in comparison to your greatness.

Amen!