I’m convinced that encouragement is one of the most powerful blessings in God’s Kingdom. That’s why I want to share with you today a few thoughts of encouragement that came to me this morning during my quiet time with the Lord. My prayer is that they encourage you and help brighten your day so you can, in turn, lift someone else.
I’M HURTING
When our pain is the greatest, God’s grip tightens in our quivering hand. His voice douses our burning angst. His love intercepts every tear.
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hands.” John 10:28-2
I’M ALONE
Feeling isolated is a predictable part of God’s plan to show us in the most intimate way possible that he is there and still in control. He is not going anywhere without us. God uses that isolation to test our capacity to lead, our character, and our faith.
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
I’M AFRAID
God’s direction on giving Him our fears immediately is as clear as the water that trickles over velvet-smooth rocks in a mountain stream.
“You have been a refuge for me, a shelter in my time of trouble.” Psalm 59:1
I’M LOST
When the storm clouds of life look darkest, God is already preparing a rainbow.
“For we live by faith, not sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
I’M HUNGRY
The amount of worry we carry around with us is not driven by the stress and problems in our life, or by the number of activities we engage in, or by the job and “things” we have. Our degree of worry is directly proportional to our nourishment in God’s Word. The more worry we have in our life, the less nourishment we are receiving from God.
“This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” Proverbs 3:8
OUR ROLE
So what should be done in and through our lives to encourage others?
- We need to ask God to give us spiritual eyes to “see” those people he has placed in our path who need to be loved and encouraged.
- We need to offer ourselves daily to his service and be an extension of Christ-like love, mercy, and grace to all who are in need.
- We need to pray that the people we encounter and touch see us turn away uncertainty when it knocks on our door.
Finally, one of the most important things we can do is to make sure the people we touch see Christ in and through us. That they find encouragement to confront their own battle with the unknown. And that they are inspired to grow closer and closer to God in their own life.
God encourages us so we can be a blessing to others. Who do you know that needs to be encouraged today? Will you do it for them?
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11
