ENCOURAGEMENT! Everyone needs encouragement and I think people appreciate those around them who tend to be encouragers rather than discouragers. Often it is the little things in life that encourage us. I remember a time in life, when for the first time in two months, my wife was able to go to the beauty salon where she had her hair “done.” The delay was due to physical problems. The trip was an encouragement for her and her hairdresser was a very encouraging lady as well. There were several people on the same day, unrelated to the salon visit, who asked how my wife was doing physically and they told me they and others they knew were praying for my wife’s health problems. It is encouraging to know the names of people who are praying for you. As Christians, we should be an encouragement channel for other people. We can do that in small ways as well as in large ways. In this world we live in today people really do need encouragement because the world has plenty of things to discourage us. Satan would love to see the entire world full of discouraged Christians.

God’s Word is full of encouragement for all of us just as it was for Joshua thousands of years ago when God spoke to him and said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9 NIV). When we know that God is always near then that knowledge should encourage us in all of life’s circumstances and endeavors. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). Be encouraged in life because God is always near and He will always meet our needs.

 CHUCK DAVIS