Nancy Taylor Tate
“A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!” Proverbs 15:23
There are times when we can all use encouragement. How nice to find someone has appreciated something you did or said. It helps place value on you, your life, the way you spend your time.
While it is wonderful when someone else appreciates us, it is important we also know how to encourage ourselves in the Lord. I remember one time when I was feeling alone and discouraged. Normally, I would turn to worship and feel the lift of His presence as I did. But this particular evening, I was stuck and nothing seemed to help.
As I was lifting my heart toward the Lord, it occurred to me that I might not be the only one who could use some encouragement. The thought came to send out a few notes letting people know I appreciated them, so I began writing. This one and that one came to mind, as I prayerfully wrote a personal note to each one. I sent simple notes, speaking appreciation, as I prayed for them that the Lord would touch and bless them through the words sent.
When I finally finished, I was surprised to see several hours had passed. Also, I no longer felt down or alone! New purpose had filled my evening. I forgot all about me as I sought to bless others, and in the process, I felt better myself!
David, too, had to encourage himself in the Lord at times. In 1 Samuel, David was in a difficult and stressful situation. “But,” the scripture says, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).
How important that we know how to encourage ourselves in the Lord! We can find encouragement by reflecting on God’s love or remembering His faithfulness in times past. We find strength and uplifting in His Word or in times of prayer. On this particular day, I found encouragement as I turned from myself to speak encouragement to someone else.
At times, there may be someone who will speak into our lives; at other times, there may be no one. David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. How important we have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ!
“O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” Isaiah 25:1
Our hope is in Him! May we be grounded in His Word. And available, that His love might flow through us to touch others. Great is Thy faithfulness, O Lord!
“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.” Lamentations 3:21–24