Encouragement

I love receiving words of encouragement, especially when they are genuine. I know what it feels like to receive “manufactured encouragement”. The kind when it feels fake. I’ve been in positions of leadership and some of the people I was responsible for leading sometimes would give fake encouragement. It can also be called an “insincere compliment”. I do work at being a genuine encourager. If you didn’t do a good job, I won’t tell you that you did a good job. However, if I can find something or some part of your work to give a genuine compliment, I will offer it gladly.

I believe encouragers must be secure in who they are in order to elevate others. Some folks are known for elevating themselves at the expense of others. This is a strong sign of insecurity. I am thankful that through the Word, the Lord encourages me as His kid. I try to be who I am called to be at any given moment of the day. Whether I’m hanging out with presidents or paupers. I want to be honest and genuine in the words I speak. Check this out….

² I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
    I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
    by all the honor of your name.
³ As soon as I pray, you answer me;
    you encourage me by giving me strength.

⁶ Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
    but he keeps his distance from the proud.

⁸ The Lord will work out his plans for my life—
    for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. (Psalm 138:2-3,6,8a NLT)

I’m thankful for the daily encouragement from the Lord. He speaks life into my soul through His Word. I’m keenly aware of His Presence. I’m reminded of His Power. I’m thankful that He knows me and loves me. I’m thankful that He directs my path. His promises are true and I can depend on every single promise. I’m thankful for the strength He gives me when I pray.

I want to be a genuine encourager to others. I want to encourage others to know the Lord and trust in Him. He is the Author of our lives. He is the Ultimate Encourager, but I have to trust in Him. He will direct my path in EVERY situation IF I humbly trust Him. I surrender my heart and my will to His Heart and His Will. He will be close to me when I humble myself before Him.   This promise encourages my heart.

Pressing On!

Dwayne