“So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 (NIV)
Mark walked out into his backyard. The TV news was so depressing. It made him want to scream. Things at work weren’t much better. His family was going in six different directions and he didn’t have a clue what to do about any of it.
“Hello there,” a familiar voice called. He turned to see the smiling face of his elderly, Chinese neighbor. “Hey, Mr. Chou, how are you today?” As they exchanged greeting, Mark looked at the vibrant, cheerful old man and wondered how he could be so cheerful all the time. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“I was saying that you seem distracted and distant. I was just wondering if there was anything wrong. Perhaps something I could pray with you about.” So for the next hour or so, Mark confided all his troubles to this precious old saint, who did indeed pray with him about them.
Discouragement is a normal part of 21st century life. It is so easy to get down in the dumps. Some even get stuck in the blues. And others seem to carry the weight of the world. But no matter what our personal cliché, we all, at one time or another, are cast down and need encouragement. Something knocks the wind out of our sails. Someone rains on our parade. Or an event occurs that bursts our bubble.
When it happens, the best way to overcome it is through praising God and focusing on others. Being encouraged by another’s faith and singing that praise chorus from last Sunday’s worship is a marvelous antidote to discouragement. Try it. You’ll love it!
Dear Father, thank you for the encouragement of your grace. Empower us today with the joy of life and enable us to encourage those around us. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today stand firm in the Lord,