Encouraging Words!

by Vinetta Sanderson

February 2006

I have files, ringed notebooks, and boxes of paper throughout my house... little notes or cards of encouragement!  Some of these have been written by others to me during a particularly difficult time, some are friendship notes, and many are just little tidbits of truth I've written to encourage myself. When I'm feeling a little lonely or down, these words bring comfort and connection, and breathe life back into my soul.  

Here's one I pulled from my file today...

    "God understands.  As your Shepherd, the Lord is always watching, always keeping, always providing, always defending, never forsaking.  You are never forgotten, always loved!"  (Roy Lessin)

    "He will bring you through not somehow, but triumphantly!"

Life can weary all of us!  Whether it's unexpected, unpleasant circumstances or simply the daily demands, each of us feel the stress of trying to cope.  It's amazing what a little word of encouragement can do to lift our spirits, boost our morale, and energize us to persevere. In the most desperate of times, it can be life-changing!    

The Bible is filled with verses that not only encourage us, but admonish us to encourage one another. (1 Thess. 5:11 says "Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."  Heb.3:13 says we are to encourage one another daily so we will not be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.)

If you are a little down today, check your 'joy file' or read one of God's promises.   And then go out and encourage someone else.  Giving away what you most need brings the blessing back in greater measure to you. 

Hebrews 10:23,24  "Let us hold on to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."