The Power of Encouragement

Reference: Proverbs 12:25 Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.

Observation: There are two things we can learn from this verse. First, as we are dealing with other people, we need to be reminded how important our encouragement is. Most people have something to worry about and so most everyone needs others, like us, in their lives to remind them that God has it all in control. As we go through life, what better preoccupation can we have then focusing on how to encourage our family, friends and even strangers God brings along our path. Remind them that God loves them. Remind them that He has a good plan for them. Remind them that all things work together for God if they will simply love God and live according to His purposes.

The other thing we can learn from this verse is that we need encouragement. Being human, we are burdened by worry and anxiety as well, from time to time. It would be wise to cultivate friends around us that will remind us of the goodness and promises of God. The right kinds of friends will lift us up when we need it, the wrong kind will drag us down all the time.

Application/Confession: I forget, sometimes, how much the people around me, people I love and care for, need encouragement. I get so consumed in the drama of my own life that I simply forget to give them what they need. I want to be a better encourager.

PRAYER: You, Lord, encourage me all the time.  Give me the grace to encourage others like you have encouraged me. Never let me forget how important it is.