- Joined
- Apr 25, 2006
- Messages
- 18,404
Today, encourage somebody (1)
'Worry is a heavy load, but a kind word cheers you up.' PROVERBS 12:25
We all know that the Americans are pretty fond of making big speeches; but believe it or not they've turned out a few decent writers too. The nineteenth-century writer Walt Whitman struggled for years to get anyone interested in his poetry. At a time of real discouragement he received a life-changing note from someone who'd just read his latest book. The note read, 'Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom... I greet you at the beginning of a great career.' It was signed by Ralph Waldo Emerson, at that time probably Americas most respected writer!
Like Walt, we all face tough times and need encouragement to keep us going. When we're on the brink of giving up, a simple word can give us new strength and keep us in the game. Not surprising then that encouragement is a big theme in the Bible.
Listen: 'Worry is a heavy load, but a kind word cheers you up' (Proverbs 12:25 NCV), and 'I am the LORD your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, '..."Don't be afraid. I will help you"' (Isaiah 41:13 NCV). Encouragement doesn't deny the problem; it helps us overcome it. It doesn't leave us alone to carry the load; it reminds us that God will help us. So encourage somebody today!
written by Bob Gass
