Last week I encouraged you to put up a Christmas tree, for it represents hope and joy. You and I need some positive reinforcements as we navigate through this arduous year. This week, let’s add to the hope that we have in Christ, along with the joy that is given immeasurably by the Holy Spirit.
Let’s encourage one another. The New Oxford American Dictionary tells us encouragement is “the action of giving someone support, confidence and hope.” Think of encouragement as a set of wings one gives to another so they can fly a little higher. It is giving someone a song in their heart that will keep them moving forward.
God encourages His children. He does this through His Spirit, and within the pages of the Bible.
Look at Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works…encouraging one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.”
We are to “carry each other’s burdens,” according to Galatians 6:2.
We are to “encourage one another and build each other up.” This truth is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
God knows that life is tough. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. Walking through the fire, you will not be burned.” This is Isaiah 43:2.
Nothing that is currently taking place is causing God to question what is going on. He is not asking, “How did this happen? Now what do I do?” He is in full control and His Word still rings true in 2020. We can be rest assured that He is taking care of us for we are not home yet and we are not forgotten.
While God is moving forward with His plan, He has a job for His children in the meantime. He calls us to love one another and help build up each other’s faith. We are to spur each other on in walking with Christ.
Unfortunately, encouragement is in short supply. We are more focused with our own lives that we aren’t looking up enough, to God, to realize that we are supposed to be looking around and helping others.
Who needs some encouraging in your circle of influence? Who needs to be reminded that they are not alone? Who needs to hear that they are making a difference as someone’s spouse, parent, or employee? Is someone down and out? Your smile or a phone call can be what someone needs. The words, “You can do it.” or “Keep it up, you are doing fantastic.” elevates a soul.
When someone is encouraged, their countenance gets lifted and joy abounds in their heart. You make someone happy.
We need to hear and be reminded that we are in this together. We leave no one behind, and God has not taken His hand off of us. He will get us home, and when we are in His Presence, we will know that we mattered and we were never forgotten.
Be the love of Jesus to another person today, and tomorrow, and the next day…
Carol J German 