Encouragement

There are many things that happen in our world which become a discouragement to us such as violence, fatigue, stress at work or at home, difficulties with finances, fighting, wars, health concerns and many other things.  When we experience problems, we are faced with pressure that drains us of our strength and energy. Being discouraged means that we have been deprived of our confidence and hope.  All of this is debilitating and saps the joy from our lives.  If that is the case for us, it is the same for other people.

When discouragement sets in, we desperately need something that lifts us up, encourages us, and lessens the negative or at least turns it into something positive.  In Scripture the Apostle Paul points to important instruction on this topic when he says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:5-6).

Here are some implications for us from this verse:

1)    God is the source of spiritual encouragement – “God who gives endurance and encouragement.”   We will never find eternal encouragement in “things of the world” but only in that which God provides.

2)    Spiritual encouragement leads to unity – “Give you a spirit of unity…as you follow Christ Jesus.”  Once we have been encouraged by God, He also provides the ability to be unified with others of like precious faith.

3)    Spiritual encouragement primes us for giving glory to God – “With one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”.  As we are encouraged spiritually our desire will be to give God the glory that is due Him for all the wonderful things He does in this world and has done for us personally.

So, the next time you become discouraged, turn to God.  Let the spiritual encouragement you receive from Him prompt you to breathe a prayer of thanks to God for His incredible power.  Ask God to continue to work in and through you for His honor and glory.  Is there someone whom you need to encourage today with a telephone call, email or text?  Do it now.