Tips For Those Who Need Encouragement
One thing I have been so grateful for is that, even in my darkest moments, God often brings a song to mind. Many mornings, as I go through the process of getting ready for the day, I find myself singing and, as I begin to focus on the words, it is so fitting for my situation. Whether it’s a song of praise, a song of encouragement, or a song about Heaven, I begin to feel closer to Him, and a gratitude for His love wells up in my heart. I was reminded recently of the importance of praising through trials and that’s one thing I’m asking God to help me to be more faithful in.
At times, God also brings Scriptures to mind which bring to life Psalm 119:11–“Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” What a blessing the Word of God is when you need direction, knowledge, or just comfort. In Gold Tried in the Fire, Greg Hinnant states that, for encouragement, you should read a Psalm a day. I don’t read one every day but I am trying to get into the Psalms more often. Brother Andrew mentioned that he reads the Psalm which corresponds with his age every day. That is a great way to get God’s Word in your heart.
I don’t know about you but I tend to withdraw from people when I’m struggling; yet I’m reminded that we need the mutual encouragement that the Body of Christ can give. Even if you’re in ministry, you need to be spiritually fed at times. Don’t be afraid to let yourself be ministered to. Pray about someone you can trust who will pray with you and speak the Word of God to you. Without that, you can easily shrivel up spiritually. We were not created to fight battles on our own.
One last thing I have learned is the importance of reaching out to others. When you are encouraging someone else, more often than not, you’ll find that encouragement returned to you. It also helps you to get your focus off of yourself and on to others who are possibly going through a more difficult time than you are. Don’t be afraid to give a hug or a listening ear. You don’t know how blessed you can make someone feel.
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