Speaking the Words of God

If anyone speaks, he should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. 1 Peter 4:11

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about encouragement. It's something we do all of the time - for our friends, families, and even people we don't really know very well. I don't know about you all, but it's often something that I don't think a lot about. If someone comes to me and tells me they're stressed with school, have a family problems, or are sad for some reason, I often simply tell them that I'm sorry, that things will work out, and that there has to be some sort of practical solution for the problem at hand. While I think God is definitely pro practical solutions to problems, I think often I choose to encourage others with my own reasoning than with the truths of scripture. If someone's lonely, I try to brainstorm ideas to help them meet new people instead of assuring them of God's consistant presence. If someone feels worthless, I assure them of how smart, pretty, or kind they are and of how much people love them. I don't assure them that their value comes from Christ. While such encouragement can be temporarily helpful, I know it often leaves me feeling empty, or encourages me down a thinking-path that is not particularly godly. The Lord instead instructs us to speak to each other using His words and truths to build each other up:

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. - Ephesians 5:19

So with that, I've got some encouragement for you today:

If you're feeling tired from working (I know I am!):

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. - Isaiah 40: 29-31

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. - Colossians 3:23-24

If you're feeling alone:

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

For your Maker is your husband - the Lord Almighty is His name - the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth. - Isaiah 54:5

If you're not feeling so good about yourself:

For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession. - Deuteronomy 14:2

If you're not feeling the happiest:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13

If you're questioning the Lord's plans for you:

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. - Psalm 138:8

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout the generations, forever and ever! - Ephesians 3:20

Happy Monday!