iBelieve - Christian Women Inspirational Devotionals

A Prayer for Encouragement and to Be an Encourager
By Keri Eichberger

Bible Reading:
Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25)

Listen or Read Below:

I had another episode last week. On the bright side, it had been many months since my back gave way to muscle spasms followed by days of bed rest. And the bottom line, loads of discouragement crept in. In the first couple of days after the flare-up, I received a message in my Facebook inbox. An old friend from high school was simply asking for some advice on writing a book that was on her heart. And it wasn’t long after I offered my help that we found ourselves in a back-and-forth audio conversation to discuss where God was guiding her. As she vulnerably shared pieces of her difficult story, I listened with an empathetic ear. And in doing so, found encouragement through perspective of how hard she and many others truly have it. With compassion, I offered consoling encouragement. And to be honest, I’m not quite sure how her spirit received my words, but what I do know is that I, personally, was greatly encouraged that day. Because at the onset of my discouragement, I had prayed petitions of comfort to God, and he showed up with answers in such an unexpected yet sweet way.

Have you been feeling discouraged? In need of an encouraging word, an uplifting conversation, or just a fresh hope-filled perspective to shed some light on a dim situation or your saddened spirit? We all find ourselves here over and over through life. And I, for one, am so thankful that we have an almighty, loving Father and friend in Jesus to turn to. But here’s what we also have, which God gives us. His people. We need them and they need us.

Verse 25 in Proverbs Chapter 12 begins, Anxiety weighs down the heart. Some translations replace anxiety with heaviness or sorrow. And these are certainly all feelings that can cause discouragement and stir up a need for some encouragement. The verse finishes, but a kind word cheers it up. And this goes both ways. When we receive and feel someone’s pain and then offer a kind word, it cheers them up. But it also cheers us up right back. Sometimes just hearing someone else’s hard story can become an encouragement to us as we grow in compassion for them, and gain a greater perspective as our situation seems to lighten. We receive encouragement as we encourage. And I find this so beautiful—how we are served when we serve others. We are blessed when we bless others. We are encouraged when we encourage others.

So if you are in need of encouragement today, my encouragement to you is this: First, share your hurt with the ultimate encourager. With our good God, who sees you, loves you, and wants to encourage you. And then, offer a kind word to someone else who needs it. (And just a tip, everyone needs it.) Their expressed gratitude alone might cheer you up. Or simply offer you the personal gratification that you did a good thing for a neighbor. But God will answer. Keep your eyes and heart open. He has encouragement to offer you at every moment, and through every season, and in every single situation.

Let’s Pray:

Lord God,

You are the ultimate encourager. You love me, care deeply for me, and are always here to listen and answer my cries. I admit, I fall into dips of discouragement time and again, and I know I am not alone. No one in this world is exempt from the pains of our fallen world. But you are here to pick us up.

I pray that I may also be an encouragement to those who feel the hurts of life. And Lord, I praise you that when I do, you offer me encouragement in return. You know just what I need, when I need it, always. And I am so thankful for your constant blessings that bring about great joy in my life.

In your blessed name, Amen.

If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!

Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.

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