The Best Encouragement
Written by Mrs. Rebekah E.

 
Through the years I have received much encouragement. Encouragement in the form of admiration -- "Oh, that color looks so nice on you. It really brings out the color of your eyes!" Encouragement in praise -- "You did such a nice job on...." Those are all fine and good, but they are not as heartwarming and lasting as spiritual encouragement has been to me.

The Lord promises that His Word will accomplish that which He pleases and will not return void as we read in Isaiah 55:10-11. Admiration and praise often leaves a void in encouragement, but the Word of God penetrates the soul and brings rich lasting encouragement.

How can we be the best spiritual encouragement to others? Jonathan, in I Samuel 23:16, was a good example to us as he "went to David and encouraged him in God." David was having to flee for his life from Saul's presence. To be able to encourage others in the Lord we need to be spiritually encouraged by the Lord and be in God's Word each day. When we are discouraged the first place we need to go is to the Lord and His Word; not to a dear earthly friend, but to our Heavenly Father Who knows all things and understands all things. I can't tell you how many times I Samuel 30:6b has encouraged me to strengthen myself in the Lord. David was quite discouraged after he found that Ziklag had been burned with fire and all his wives and children were taken captive. "But David encouraged himself in the LORD his God."

Looking back over my life, often how others have encouraged me the most has not always been someone sharing the Scriptures verbally with me, but in writing -- through a card, bookmark, or lettered verse. When I see that card or bookmark again and again, I am constantly reminded of that particular person's care and interest in me; and the Word of God that they shared, continually ministers to me. I have had such cards on my dresser mirror or fridge for months and it serves as a wonderful encouragement to me.

Another source of real encouragement has been when someone mentions that they are praying for me. Just about every time I see that person, I am reminded that they think enough about me to pray for me and that brings great encouragement. Our prayers for others can bring real encouragement even as God ministers to their hearts through our prayers.

When someone shares an answer to prayer or a lesson that God has taught them or how God has specifically guided and provided for them, that is also a great encouragement to me. It encourages me to pray more specifically, to meet with God each day, and share with others God's providence in my life.

I Thessalonians 5:11-15 really sums up what our encouragement should be all about. "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the week, be patient with everyone always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people." 
 

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