Daily Devo
Encourage Me, Please!
By: Kathie Welch
Thursday, July 18, 2024
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Everyone needs encouragement! This verse from Romans tells us that God's Word provides the encouragement and hope we need. Our world is in flux, institutions and organizations that were once foundational are under attack, and everything seems to be out of control. In our quest to be informed, we are often left discouraged, depressed, and maybe even a little hopeless. Heads up, Christ follower! Jesus foretold all this would happen when He walked this earth (Mark 13:7- 8).
Our loving Shepherd did not want His flock to feel downhearted and hopeless (John 14:27-29), so He promised to give us His peace. There may not be much peace in our world, but fear not, God is in control! He that lives in us is greater than he (Satan) that lives in the world (I John 4:4). Encouragement feeds and nourishes our hope, and all of us need divine encouragement. As a body of believers, the scriptures command us to encourage each other (I Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13).
We've all been encouraged by fellow believers, so we know how essential and refreshing that is to our spirit. But we can't encourage others if our own vessel is empty! It's vital to build ourselves up through God's Word, and here's a few ways we can do that:
- Set your mind on things above, not on things of this earth. (Colossians 3:2)
- Spend quality time alone with God each day.
- Set up a plan for reading His Word each day (consider using a Bible app). If you miss a day, catch up.
- Quiet your spirit to hear what God has to say. Apply what you read to your own life.
- Memorize a few key verses. They will strengthen you, and you can use them as weapons to fight the enemy.
- Refresh and encourage yourself throughout the day by reciting the verses you are trying to memorize.
- Be responsive when God nudges you to reach out to others in word and/or deeds.
The more you know God’s Word, the more it will influence (guide) your relationships and interactions with others. When you encourage someone, you may not know the heavy burden they are carrying, but God does! When He prompts you to encourage others, He is commissioning you to be His contact.
The heartfelt cry of every human being, whether spoken or not: Encourage me, please!
Read: Judges 20:22, Hebrews 10:25, Philippians 4:8-9