I find it a bit funny that each time I want to write about encouragement as a subject I end up doing it instead. It is like a farmer who is trying to teach someone how to plant cabbages and ends up doing the planting. I want to believe encouragement is something we need to live by.
Most often than not I find that people need someone to say or do something to give them courage when they are in their lowly state. In the absence of an act of encouragement the enemy finds an opportunity to come in and plant thoughts that will drive that particular person away from the Lord. How many times have you seen or heard of people turning to alcohol, drugs, sexual activities and even suicide because of depression? Somebody could have noticed the signs at some point.
In most cases we are so pre-occupied with our lives that we become oblivious of the people around us. The Word of God says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Philippians 2:4 NKJV).
To me this simply means that you should care about the next person. You should be ready to listen when they need to get something off their chest. What I have come to realize is that once someone talks to you about what is bothering them they feel relieved and better. What encourages them is that at least someone cared to listen.
One of the amazing experiences is when someone comes to you with their problems and hope to get a solution from you when you are also dealing with your own issues. Each time I offer words of encouragement to someone I feel re-energized and encouraged myself. That has inspired me to keep on encouraging the people I interact with.
What we say is very important. You should know what the right words to say and the right time to say those words. “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” (Ephesians 4:29 NKJV)
This is an important part of life because you never know what the devil might do during that time when the person has lost courage. The Word of God says, “See to it brothers that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness,” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NIV).
Sometimes people wonder how one manages to keep a positive attitude in all situations. True, this is not so easy and it comes as a result of surviving several trials and tribulations. In this life I have learnt that my challenges are nothing compared to what others are going through. That makes me feel better, but it doesn’t take away that I am facing a challenge and I have to deal with it.
Let us be frank, there are times when you wish to be left alone to deal with the situation on your own. These are the times when you do not need anyone to come to you with ideas borrowed from self-help books. These are the times when you do not even have the courage to open your Bible. These are the times when you get tired of hearing people telling you “it’s going to be ok!” In essence these are the times when you do not want to hear from people who want to help you.
The other day I was touched by a friend who sent me a message about the troubles she was going through. What was most difficult was that she could not spell out the real problem. All she could say was that it was something that has to do with her past and now manifesting itself and messing with her life.
This is just one example of people who are going through such emotional rough patches that they cannot share with other people lest they are judged or ridiculed. The enemy finds a perfect opportunity to install thoughts of death or ‘permanent loss of memory’ as the best solution.
How do you come out of such a situation with a positive mind? Paul says, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content,” (Philippians 4:11 NKJV). To be content means to be satisfied (or happy) with who you are, whatever happens it does not change who you are. You are complete in Jesus Christ and you can do all things through Him because he strengthens you. In other words, you remain with the faith that Jesus will give you the strength to pull out of any situation.
It all begins with locating yourself – who you are and where do you stand? If you have a solid foundation in your life you will be content with the knowledge that whatever the situation, it shall not sweep you off your position. Instead it will make you stronger than you were before.
I have learned that in whatever state I am in I should be thankful to God. What is it that I should be grateful for when things are not going my way? When everything I do seem to be crashing against the wall? My dear friend, God knows and his eyes run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (2 Chronicles 16:9).
Whatever happens, remain loyal to God and you will find great satisfaction inside your heart. The Word of God says many are troubles of the righteous but the Lord delivers him from them all. As long as you believe in this, you will be content with you current state of affairs and wait patiently upon the Lord. Remember this: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain,” (1 Timothy 6:6 NKJV).
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