Encouragement

The dictionary defines the word encourage as follows: 

"to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence" 

When I think of the word encourage I think about physically, mentally and spiritually coming alongside someone on their journey.  This is not a job that requires a resume, a degree or a ton of life experience, what it does require is empathy. Sometimes we do have life experiences that validate our words, sometimes we have no words, but we need to validate their feelings. 

"BE KIND. For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."

We usually feel compelled to say something or offer help when a friend is in need. Sometimes people say the dumbest things. They mean well, but just don't know what to say.  

I am so thankful for a whole book that says all the right things!

"Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 MSG

“The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Nahum 1:7 NLT

“I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

“Your GOD is present among you, a strong Warrior there to save you. Happy to have you back, he’ll calm you with his love and delight you with his songs.” Zephaniah 3:16-17 MSG

“but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32b NKJV

“And with the stripes [that wounded] Him we are healed and made whole.” Isaiah 53:5b AMP

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls." Hebrews 6:19a NLT

“Still, I know that God lives—the One who gives me back my life— 

Job 19:26a MSG

“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am GOD, your personal God"

Isaiah 43:2-3 MSG

Here are some other quotes that I found captivating:

"Bravery is the capacity to perform properly even when scared to death" Omar Bradley

"Courage is the mastery of fear not the absence of fear" Mark Twain

"Be fabulous - God spared no enthusiasm when He created you!" Author Unknown

"I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds there are many more hills to climb." Mandela 

"In family life, love is the oil that eases the friction, the cement that binds closer together and the music that brings harmony" Eva Burrows

My prayer is as you read and re-read these verses they will attach to your spirit and when trouble comes your way, or you have a friend in need you will remember what God says! We don't have to have the right words, God does! Listen to his voice. Whatever you are facing - God IS: Our healer, our provider, our strength, our banner (feeling of hope; a focus point), our peace, our shepherd, our righteousness, and our friend.