A to Z Challenge: “E”ncouragement

We have so many sources of encouragement! It was hard for me to focus on the 300-500 word limit of a blog.

I am encouraged by friends and family, God’s Word, prayer and music.

Some days it’s how the light filters through thick, green foliage at the park, like God is warming my heart with a big “hello, I’m here!”

To keep this post a readable length, I decided to list a few of my favorite Bible verses that consistently lift a drooping spirit. My favorite translation is the New American Standard Bible.

Ps. 103:12-13 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”

My translation: Thank goodness my sins are forgiven. It’s like they never existed.

Isa. 40:31 – “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

My translation: God is my strength when I can’t muster it myself. Sometimes the answer to prayer is “not yet, wait on God.”

Isa. 55:10-11 –  “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire. And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

My translation: God will bless my efforts to follow Christ, even when they aren’t perfect, which is pretty much all the time.

Mark 11:24 – “Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they shall be granted you.”

My translation: It’s important to have faith when I pray. Otherwise, why am I praying at all?!”

Rom. 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

My translation: I can trust that God has my very best interests, and future, at heart. God knows how to make lemonade out of lemons, and I provide Him with a LOT of lemons.

Phil. 1:6 – “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

My translation: Thank goodness God isn’t done with me yet!

Phil. 4:6-7 – “Pray about everything – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

My translation: Don’t worry! God’s got this! Pray about everything (and, don’t forget to say “thank you!”) Also see Ps. 28:6-7.

Phil 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me.”

My translation: I’m not alone and I am always supported.

2 Thess. 2:16-17 – ” Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”

My translation: We are eternally loved and given eternal comfort (not always in this life). God strengthens our hearts, enabling us to do what we are called to do.

What encourages you, keeps you going when you feel down or low-energy?