Recently I had the privilege of being deeply touched by God’s presence while worshipping at a local church.
A little later I sent a short text to the worship leader, “Thanks for a beautiful time in the sweet presence of Jesus!“ In a couple of hours He replied, “You have no idea what your encouragement means to me.”
I was taken back by his response because I honestly didn’t realize how those few simple words would bless him that much.
I think we too often underestimate the power of encouragement. Little words of affirmation to someone at the right time can make a HUGE difference.
Interestingly in that same service while the pastor was sharing, he looked over at me and said, “There are still more songs in you.” Wow! Those six little words really helped me, confirming a new season of song writing ahead for us!
Over and over again through the years I’ve seen the power of encouraging others. A little text, a phone call, a letter or email, coffee with a friend, a compliment, a hug, a thank you… And it goes on and on. Our potential to help someone is endless!
But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today’. (Hebrews 3:13)
We all need encouragement. The enemy and this world constantly try to beat us all down with negative words. How much more then should we encourage each other with positive words as much as possible?!
Scripture says OUR WORDS can bring Life or Death (Proverbs 18:21). We have the privilege of speaking life to people using simple words. And it doesn’t have to be long or take a lot of time.
Often Jill and I receive little emails or notes from people who have been blessed by our music, and sometimes at an event someone will just grab my hand and say, “Thank you for your music.” These little nuggets bless us SO MUCH and help us keep doing what God has called us to.
So many are starving for encouragement – a simple “Good morning,” or “It’s good to see you!,” a handshake, a smile, any kind of recognition goes a long way.
In the book of Acts we read about Barnabas, one of Saul’s closest companions. His name was Joseph but was given the nickname “Barnabas” which means Son Of Encouragement, because he must have always been encouraging others!
I wonder if all his encouragement could be a big part of the reason Paul did so much for the kingdom of God???
Can we start a new habit by daily asking the Lord, “How can I be a blessing to people today?” Maybe we can open a door and say, ‘God bless you,’ let someone in traffic ahead of us, or add a smile when we thank a server.
Speaking of Thank You, when was the last time we thanked our own family members for the routine things they often do – washing clothes, cooking food, cleaning dishes, washing cars, cutting grass, working their jobs, providing for the family, etc. These “small” words can make a BIG difference.
Encouragement is powerful and desperately needed.
We must learn to speak life wherever and whenever we can. How many times do we think about someone and what a blessing they are, but we don’t tell them?
TELL THEM!
Let someone know you were thinking about them and prayed for them. They will be impacted knowing they were thought of!
Hebrews 13:16 says …don’t forget to do good… Determine to speak life to everyone you come in contact with, and remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40,
And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least
of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’
That’s right, when we bless God’s people we also bless HIM, for we are His body, His hands, His feet and His mouthpiece here on Earth.
For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for Him
and how you have shown your love TO HIM by caring for other believers, as you still do.
(Hebrews 6:10)
Let’s be like Barnabas (the Encourager) and do our part to bless and encourage as many as we can. God will bless you as you bless others.
You are special,
