Encouragement

chalk drawing of a sword on an asphalt path with an encouraging message "It's dangerous to go alone! Take this!"

Chalk drawing of a sword with encouraging message “It’s dangerous to go alone! Take this!”

Sometimes you just need that extra bit of encouragement. Okay, not necessarily a sword, but someone encouraging you that you've got the tools to take the next step and continue your journey, whatever that may be. 

This picture was taken on the pathway near the beach, and we saw it on one of our many walks during COVID when social distancing was necessary. During that time of restrictions, people came up with a way to still play a game with their friends and bring joy to others. There were messages like these written all around the park, so as the players received instructions they would find the different tokens or clues. It was a good way to still safely have fun and camaraderie during a difficult time that everyone across the globe was experiencing.

I’m glad I took a picture of this that day, as it still brings me joy when I see it. Sometimes we do need that extra bit of encouragement. I think that’s why I find the encouraging verses in the Bible helpful. There are many other sources of encouragement out there, but these tried and true quotes that have been around for millennia are good ones to have in your back pocket on a bad day. 

Here are some of my favourite verses:

  • Anything is possible if a person believes. Mark 9:23

  • May he grant you your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. Psalm 20:4

  • Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD God is the eternal Rock. Isaiah 26:4

  • Rejoice in confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12

  • Faith shows us the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we can not see. Hebrews 11:1

  • Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:1

  • What is impossible for people is possible with God. Luke 18:27

  • I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

These 8 verses are tacked up around my desk, so I only had to swivel my head slightly to read them all as I wrote this. Ironically, I don’t look at them as often as I should. 

I get discouraged often. Am I going in the right direction? Am I focusing on the right things? God knows the answers; that will have to be enough for me :)

In the meantime, these words can be the sword I use to dispel all doubt. God loves us, and that is enough for me. :)

Amen!

devotional, encouragement, faithJackie Scottspiritual growth, daily devotionals, faith journey, scripture reflection, prayer, spiritual encouragement, motivation, uplifting, positivity, inspiration, empowerment, strength, support, confidenceComment