Thursday, November 7, 2024

I want to be an encouraging person, and most times I think I am. I try to be a good listener, and to be curious. But I also have a tendency to want to fix things quickly, offering unsolicited advice. Maybe you can relate. However, sometimes the best way we can help others is by sharing uplifting truths, without trying to fix their situation or telling them what to do. 

This is what Joe, in The Boys in the Boat, experienced when he started down a path that he thought would provide food, a bed, and just enough money for tuition. Instead, he encountered a different way to live. Joe experienced life-giving encouragement from people like Coach Al, who earned the love and respect of the team by being honest about their strengths and weaknesses; or George, the boat-builder, who knew how to call out the pain of abandonment Joe felt from his father, and replaced it with truth and love.

Just like those characters in the movie, God wants to be a voice of encouragement in our lives, helping us do more with him than we could ever dream of doing on our own. Scripture is full of uplifting truths and promises from God. When we spend time with him in his Word, abiding in his loving care, we come to trust that he is there for us, regardless of our circumstances. 

Zephaniah 3:17
“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.”

Our God, the Creator of the universe, delights in you! He rejoices over you! He celebrates you! I pray these truths encourage you throughout your day, no matter what happens. He is our refuge and our strength. There is none like him!

Questions: 
Who encourages you? Who can you encourage? 

Next Steps: 
These questions are worth taking time to think about. If you can’t think of anyone who encourages you, pray and ask God to bring someone into your life to do that. A great place to find encouragers is in a Group. If you can’t think of anyone you can encourage, look around. Sometimes, it is the person closest to you—it is for me!

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, it is amazing to me that you delight in me! I so seldom delight in myself, but you see me differently. You see me through the blood of your Son, Jesus, and his righteousness is now mine! You are my refuge and my strength (Psalm 46:1). I can do all things because you give me your strength (Phillippians 4:13). Because I hold fast to you, you will deliver me. When I call on you, you will answer me. You will be with me in times of trouble (Psalm. 91:14-15). These are the promises in your Word to me. I trust you! Thank you for loving me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Today’s post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.