Encouragement

 

Proverbs 25:11
The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry.  (Message Bible)

5:29am

I have been blessed enough to be surrounded by friends who are great encouragers.  I’m sure God knew I needed them!

Little lies set in …

All of those little whispers and lies believed during childhood have a way of settling in a person’s spirit, but right words — encouraging works — bring life.   The message version compares them to a custom-made piece of jewelry, but other versions compare such words to apples in settings of silver and gold.

My husband and I have both tried to encourage our little girl.  We are constantly telling her that she is sweet, smart, and beautiful.   We build her up and congratulate her when she brings home grades that she worked hard to earn.

Encouragement

Proverbs 18:14
The human spirit can endure in sickness,but a crushed spirit who can bear?

Our words carry so much weight.   Sometimes I hear words coming out of my mouth that I wish I could erase!   We don’t want to crush someone’s spirit, but encourage — speak life.

Yes, it is helpful to have friends and family who speak LIFE into your heart, but what if you don’t have people like that in your life?   I can honestly say that you can find that encouragement in the Word of God.  Father God is LOVE.  He loves us more than we could ever understand!  Jesus is excited to intercede on your behalf!  He is at the right hand of The Father.   And don’t forget about the wonderful Holy Spirit.  He is your Comforter and Teacher.  He will remind you of WHO you are in Christ!

You can also encourage yourself like David did:

Psalm 43:5
Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise Him,
    my Savior and my God.

I am grateful for my encouraging Lord and my encouraging friends!

5:34am

You may have guessed it.   I am linking with Lisa-Jo Baker for her 5-Minute Friday gathering.  She provides the prompt and we write for 5 minutes to see what comes out.    Today’s prompt:  Encouragement

Would you like to join the fun?  Just click on her button below:

Five Minute Friday