How do you encourage yourself? I ask a group of young women. Without taking a beat, one answered: I don't! Most people don't. We don't even know HOW! Or think about HOW. Much less what it will accomplish if we do. Strethening ourselves inwardly is an underdeveloped facet of our character. In the Old Testament, the word "strength" is also used for the word "encouragement." When David was in a severe life-and-death trial, he strengthened—and encouraged—himself in the Lord.