Encouragement

It is fairly easy to become discouraged. There are lots of “negative Nellies” and naysayers to make noise in our culture. It is easy to join the band of people who think negatively and speak negatively. It takes work to be positive and think positive. As a follower of Jesus, I feel compelled to lean into my faith and trust that God has EVERYTHING under His control. He knows me well. He knows my fears. He knows what gives me hope.  He knows what brings me joy. He knows what brings me pain. He encourages me through His Word. He encourages me through His Presence.

King Hezekiah was facing some dire circumstances and because of His faith, He was able to encourage the people. Encourage means to “inspire with courage, spirit of confidence”. As the army of Assyria was bearing down on Judah, the king took action and began to lead and encourage the people. Check this out….

⁵ Then Hezekiah worked hard at repairing all the broken sections of the wall, erecting towers, and constructing a second wall outside the first. He also reinforced the supporting terraces in the City of David and manufactured large numbers of weapons and shields. ⁶ He appointed military officers over the people and assembled them before him in the square at the city gate. Then Hezekiah encouraged them by saying: ⁷ “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! ⁸ He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people. (2 Chronicles 32:5-8 NLT)

There are times that I need to be an encourager.

There are times when I need encouraged.

• Encouragement inspires courage.
• Encouragement inspires hope.
• Encouragement motivates me to push through struggle.
• Encouragement is a positive motivation that frames my situation differently.
• Encouragement is desperately needed when life starts pressing in.
• Encouragement is desperately needed when the struggles of life start yelling.

I believe that encouragers are easier to encourage. I believe that if I will work hard at being and encourager, then I will be encouraged quickly when I’m under pressure. I don’t always know what to say to encourage others, but I can find something positive and truthful to speak into them.  I want to be an “encouraged encourager” to others.

Pressing On!

Dwayne