“May God our Father . . encourage your hearts and strengthen you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV
“Encouragement is putting courage into another’s heart.”
My thoughts today are about “encouragement.”
The words courage and encouragement are directly related. Think about it. You cannot have courage without being encouraged. Courage is not natural to us; it is learned by the nurture of others. Encouragement is often thought of as simply cheering a person, but it’s so much more; encouragement is “putting courage into” another’s heart – by your belief in them, support of them, words to them, or actions toward them. Encouraging others is a God-given ability.
To be and do your best, you need encouragers. None of us possess all the assurance, confidence, and resolve that life demands. Together we can be strong. At such times, God has placed people in your life whose words can reach your heart, their helping hand and company reinforce your strength. I have been blessed with encouragers; I hope that I have also been one.
It always helps me to see what a concept could look like. I see a living example of encouragement in the life of Moses. Read Exodus 17:8-16. Israel had been attacked by the Amalekites. Joshua commanded the army as Moses stood prominently on a hill, his hands and shepherd’s rod raised to Heaven in triumph. Imagine how the younger soldier and his men were encouraged at the sight of Moses. “As long as Moses held up his arms, the Israelites won, but when he put his arms down, the Amalekites started winning.” Like life at times, struggles are discouraging; eventually you grow weary and when you do the battle goes poorly. Inevitably weariness came; no one is intended to fight life’s battles alone, however strong they may be. People need people.
Ah, but Moses was not alone. “When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down. In this way, Joshua totally defeated the Amalekites.” Moses drew courage and strength from the help of Aaron and Hur. Joshua drew courage and strength from the inspiring sight of Moses above the field of battle. Israel’s soldiers drew courage and strength from Joshua battling alongside them.
The point is this: everyone has a job to do and anyone’s task can be easier with a little helpful encouragement. God is there for you, as are others. “For I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand ands says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you . . So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs.” Isaiah 41:13 NIV/ Hebrews 12:12 NLT. To be courageous, people need encouragement. You will receive that today, if you will be that for others.
When you encourage, you do God’s work! “May God our Father who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope encourage your heart and strengthen you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 NIV. Read that slowly – “our Father loved us and gave us eternal encouragement!” – you have eternal encouragement in God! “David was distressed . . but encouraged himself in the Lord.” 1 Samuel 30:6 KJV.
My prayer for you today is that you will be strong and encouraged in the Lord.