Nougat 27

There’s a spiritual I’ve heard others sing live twice. The first lines indicate that the writer possibly spoke about themselves, and carry the conviction of one who’s preaching what they’ve practised.

It says,

Sometimes you’ve got to encourage yourself (x3)

Speak over your life,

Encourage yourself in the Lord

I’m confident that the testimony of self-encouragement derived from internalising Today’s Holy Nougat.

What do you think?

Psalms 42:5 NIV

[5] Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Soul Self-Speak

Our Nougat was written by Levites whose father was the ringleader of a major revolt against Moses and Aaron, and by extension against God. Korah believed in the holiness of all and wouldn’t yield to God’s authority vested in his cousins. He led a revolt against them – and lost. At the end of the revolt, Korah and his 250-strong leaders perished, swallowed by the earth, or burned alive by the fire of God’s wrath (see Numbers 16:1-40).

Yet, his sons survived.

Obviously, they were not party to his actions. While Korah postured and rebelled, they did not join him. It may have been because they were too young, or that they saw something in Moses that they didn’t see in their father. Perhaps, they agreed to split forces so in either case they would remain in the priestly clan. Whatever their reason, the sons remained. And, while I can’t say when the psalm was written, I’ve often wondered whether it was their outpouring of grief after their father’s death.

Self-Check

Do we ever grieve to the point where our souls are downcast?

Application

In my estimation, Korah’s sons would have mourned their father. Again, it does not seem that they were among those inciting rebellion after the earthquake and fire, as they became worship leaders for the Children of Israel. Yet, thus psalm indicates that they once wrote from a space of intense distress. They were as ones fasting, their tears became their food (see Psalm 42:3), as they sought divine intervention in their circumstances.

Their pain – whatever it was – was translated into an urgent cry to their souls. And, as they joined the worshipping throng, the sons of Korah found enough to ask their souls, why are you in distress when you know that God is your source and hope?

Siblings, sometimes in our quest for joy in the Lord we find that we must encourage ourselves like Korah’s sons did. We have to bless the Lord in spite of ourselves, like David did in Psalm 103. When tears and fears become our daily bread – like Korah’s sons – let us situate ourselves among worshippers, and seek God’s face.

If we’re still challenged to feel God near us, call the elders (trusted ones) from the church and ask them to anoint and pray; for the prayer of faith can heal the sick (James 5:13-15). By God’s grace, our soul will be encouraged.

God is our balm in Gilead, let us find refuge in God’s arms.

Praise Break

Point to Ponder

When last have we applied the Balm of Gilead to our wounded souls? Is it time to encourage ourselves in the Lord?

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May all we seek be found in Christ