Dec 29 2021

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

Encouragers are special people. While their lives are not perfect, they carry a perspective that sees what could be, instead of what actually is.

An encourager says things like, "I know you're going through a tough time, but you're going to be okay." How do encouragers know that? What allows them to see a future where things are better?

Encouragers have learned that dwelling on current problems never solves anything. They also understand the value of helping others see a better possible outcome. The encouraging spirit is based on the hope that we have in Jesus. Without His hope, we wouldn't have much ground to stand on.

In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, he encourages them to encourage each other. Because members of the early church were followers of Jesus, they struggled through many hardships, including persecution, torture, even death.

If they didn't encourage each other within the church, no one else would. They needed each other. Today, in the Body of Christ, we still need each other. We should point others to Jesus when they are struggling, and we should help carry each other's burdens. We were never meant to live life alone or to struggle alone.

We are either an encourager or someone who needs encouragement, and we will likely play both roles at different times in our lives. Look for ways to provide encouragement to others. Before too long, you may be on the receiving end of their love and support.

Lord, I'm thankful for the hope I have in you. I don't always feel like everything is going to be okay, so I'm grateful that you send people into my life who remind me. Help me to be an encourager to others. Give me the right words to say at the perfect time. There are so many around me that feel down and even depressed. Point them out to me so I can carry your hope to them. Thank you for helping me to see the value in caring for others the way you have cared for me. In Jesus's name, amen.

Dec 28 2021

Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. :

Sometimes, it's easier for us to count all the problems in our lives, rather than the blessings. Why? Because problems often speak louder and drown out everything else that's going on.

It can be frustrating when we want to plan for the future, but can't get past the concerns of today. It never works because it's not God's plan for us. We were never meant to carry the worries of the day. They should pass through our hands and into God's hands.

Matthew records the words of Jesus that remind us not to worry about tomorrow. That does not mean we don't think about tomorrow, but we needn't fret about what's going to happen.

It's impossible to give our lives to God while trying to figure things out on our own. Those ideas are contrary to each other. God asks us to give Him our entire lives -- each minute and hour, today, tomorrow, ten years from now. By worrying, we are choosing to remain in control as we try to manage our own lives. Worry is a distraction that can keep us from following God's voice. It causes us to focus on what's wrong instead of Who can make it right.

Today, we can choose to trust God with everything. Allowing Him to guide us and trusting Him to take care of us. God never wants His children to live with worry and fear. If we can turn our attention to the blessings in our lives, we will quickly release our worries to God.

God, there are times when my mind is flooded with worry and fear. In those moments, I pray that I look to you. I am not capable of handling the concerns of life on my own, and I know it was never a burden that you wanted me to bear. When I lie down at night, I pray that you will fill me with your peace. Help me to see the blessings all around me that far outnumber the areas I'm struggling with. Today, I choose to trust you with all of my tomorrows. In Jesus's name, amen.


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