1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.

One thing hasn’t changed since I gave my life to Christ, I am still human, subject to human emotions and frailties. Yes we have help, but we still have problems. We are still subject to moments of doubt and depression. When that happens the answers on how to change the situation are not always clear.

Looking at the scripture above doesn’t really tell us what David did to encourage himself, does it? If I told you that David’s encouragement was to remind himself who he was in the Lord is would not serve you if you do not know who you are in Christ. Even if you do, it still might not help, so let me put an example before you.

Doubt and depression are wells you have dug yourself into and there is no ladder to climb out with. The answer is the solution to a physical problem. How do you get out of a well you have dug by yourself? Widen the hole and walk out. Doubt and depression are self-centered. If you can look beyond yourself and to others, your doubt and depression will no longer be the focus of your attention, you will have stopped digging. Eventually you will be able to walk away from it.

While who you are in Christ might be a little more complicated question, we all share two basic commands. Love God and love one another. Remembering that will help until you can find yourself.

Judges 8:2 What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

              Gleanings are referenced in Leviticus as a portion of the field and vines which are left unharvested by the workers of the field. The intent was that the poor and the stranger could come and gather for themselves and gain sustenance.

              Spiritually the field would be the bible, the Word of God. The workers of the field would be the preachers, teachers, theologians, and scholars. Anyone who is not on the list of workers would be called poor or a stranger.

              Abiezer, which means father of help, was of the tribe of Benjamin. Paul, the author of so many epistles in the New Testament, was of the tribe of Benjamin. I do not see this as mere coincidence. I see it as comparative language.

              Do you glean for yourself or feed only on what the workers have provided? When you read your bible it can be a very personal experience. Writings and teachings are more of a general note, not meant to specifically touch individual needs. Not that they cannot, but are not meant to do so. I believe what God is saying in Judges 8:2 is that which you go and glean for yourself will taste best or do you the most good.