June 30, 2019

The Power of Encouraging Words




Image courtesy of Pixels.com

“This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.”-- Psalm 119:50 (KJV)


Uplifting phrases like those in the image above can make us feel warm and cuddly. The effect of such kindness is smiles, joy, and a boost in confidence. It doesn’t matter if we’re exhausted or depressed, empowering expressions can lift anyone’s spirits. For instance, a person might smile while they’re crying if someone is comforting them.

The encouragement of people can renew our strength. How much more power can we gain by leaning on God—and reading His Word? This article will examine how two great leaders found hope in their darkest hours.

King David is said to be the writer of most of the Book of Psalms.  His own son fought against him. King Saul wanted to kill him. David fought many battles.

The apostle Paul was a different kind of warrior. He endured shipwrecks, abuse and exhaustion, and imprisonment.

The Psalms of David and the Epistles of Paul illuminate the “Never give up!” attitude of these early leaders. Here are some prominent examples:

King David

Psalm 27:5-7
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.
Psalm 31:7
7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;
Psalm 57:2-3
2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.
3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.
Psalm 138:7-8
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
The Apostle Paul

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17
15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

My Conclusion
Quotes taken from wiseoldsayings.com

“We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies.”--Emily Dickinson
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“Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think.”--Benjamin Disraeli

Do you hope for the best in the middle of the worst?

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