| Encouragement: Urging others to persist and persevere in their efforts to attain their goals; stimulating others toward love and good deeds. (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24) |
In what area of your life can use a little encouragement right now? For me (Linda), I deal with depression. For the most part I have it controlled with medication, but sadness can hang over my head like a dark cloud at times, especially in times of change. When a life change is in the works, I find sadness creeping in. Talking to my Father in prayer is my first line of attacking depression, but I want to share another way He helps me.
God has sent me an encourager! My daughter-in-law has become a blessed encouragement to me. She texts me every single day and asks how I am doing. It’s that simple, but it means so much to me. I know that I am in her thoughts and prayers. She takes the time to reach out daily knowing I am struggling right now. I love her more deeply for it.
What are your struggles today? I personally would love to pray for you as I know Dave would, as well. Please email us at Linda.davanzo@thebasicidea.org or dave.lewis@thebasicidea.org.
Giving encouragement to others is a way to say…YOU MATTER! I CARE FOR YOU! I NOTICE YOU! We all need this at times, don’t we?
Scripture tells us that we WILL have troubles in this world! (John 16:33) We WILL need encouragement or need to give encouragement at some point in our lives! Do you know anyone that needs encouragement today? Ask God how to minister to them today. Maybe a single parent can use dinner cooked for her/him tonight, a pastor may need to be prayed over, a police officer may need a word of thanks; a teacher, a gift card for coffee. There are so many easy ways to bring sunshine (encouragement) to another’s life! Ask God how you may be used to encourage today!
Sometimes we can know that we need encouragement most because we feel the loneliest. Friend, God wants to encourage your heart today! You may feel out of control, but HE is in control! You may feel burdened, but HE wants to carry that burden for you. You may have an unknown road ahead of you, He can light the way! Will you trust Him, ask Him, submit your life to Him?
- In Matthew 26:36-46, Luke 22:39-46, and Mark 14:32-42 the Gospel writers describe Jesus’ struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Did Jesus need encouragement to keep going forward toward His most difficult trial? If Jesus did, we certainly do or will. Jesus did what we can do: He went to His Father directly and also asked His friends to be with Him and pray.
- Will you do Galatians 6:2? Will you prayerfully be on the lookout today for those needing encouragement and find a meaningful way to give it? Linda’s daughter-in-law did. My wife Carol encourages me. Also would you ask for encouragement if/when you need it? Ask your Heavenly Father in prayer and in His Word and also from a family member / friend.
- Think back to times you needed encouragement and asked God and others for it or were uplifted even before you asked. Would you share that story with others. Might be an encouragement! Your soul will be strengthened as you help lift the weights off others and share your burdens too.