Do It Yourself

In earlier days, it was popular to be considered a “Renaissance Man.” That meant you were proficient in several areas of life. Leonardo da Vinci was considered the greatest of his time, a mathematician, artist, and inventor.

In our day, we admire self-sufficient, productive people. To admit a need for help seems like a failure. Some would even say that makes us “less than” those who seem to have their lives in order independently.

From the beginning, we were created to be involved with others. God, Himself, came to talk with Adam in the Garden of Eden, and He created Eve so Adam would have companionship.

On the other hand, as we mature, we learn to become more independent, make choices, and take care of ourselves.

David understood self-care. In Psalm 42:5, 11 and Psalm 43:5, he asked himself a couple of probing questions: (1) Why are you downcast, O my soul, and (2) Why the unease within me?

When life seems extremely challenging, how do you respond? Do you try to keep busy and avoid thinking about it? Do you drink alcohol, overindulge in food, go shopping, or self-medicate in some way?

David’s response to himself was this: Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God (Psalm 42:11, 43:5).  

Do you try to truly absorb God’s word and put it into practice? How many Christian songs could you sing if separated from your electronic devices?

Paul and Silas understood the importance of *DIY encouragement. They were beaten and jailed after rebuking a spirit of divination in a young girl who kept following them, shouting a good thing, but for the wrong reason (Acts 16:16-24).

In the darkness of midnight, Paul and Silas encouraged themselves in the Lord by praying and singing spiritual songs (Acts 16:25).

The other prisoners weren’t the only ones listening. God was, too, and He responded with a mighty earthquake that set them free and resulted in the salvation of the jailer and his family (Acts 16:26-34).

Faith offers hope. Scripture says God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

Have you learned to “do it yourself?”

 Pixabay: Steam, Vintage, Engine; Artsy Bee.

 *DIY: Do It Yourself