Encourage

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

How do we do this? We can memorize this verse, as many have done, but how do we live it, and why? Living for Jesus is in many ways these days counter-cultural.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJV

There’s 2 good reasons- healing and strength. I want to add encouragement as well.

“May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good work and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 HCSB

In today’s world, especially with social media availability, comparison is real. But so is encouragement. And how better can we be encouraged and encourage each other than to remind each other of God’s love for us!

“Long ago the Lord said to Israel: ‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.’” Jeremiah 31:3 NLT

Today we should pray that God will lead us to those verses that speak of His heart, His love for us. We desperately need to store them up as swords for the spiritual battle we’re in.

“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”” Zephaniah 3:17 NLT