…”Do all that is on your heart, for God is with you.” - 1 Chronicles 12:17
Encouragement is perhaps the most underrated gift a person can ever receive or give. We all need encouragement. These past months have made that need especially evident. Being encouraged gives us a hope that we didn’t know we needed. Encouragement helps us to get through tough times, and reminds us that we are not in this life alone.
I know that I have underestimated encouragement from time-to-time. Growing up in an encouraging home, I never had to worry about much of anything as long as I tried and gave my all in everything I did. The love and encouragement I received from my parents kept me motivated to always do well, and to take on every challenge that was in front of me. Although, I do have to admit there were (and still are) times that I feared not giving my best and disappointing others.
All in all we need to remember to be encouraged; to live our heart’s desire. I do realize that my heart can sometimes lead me in many different directions as once, and I find myself perplexed at what is the most important. In these times I have to stop, pray, and allow God’s Holy Spirit to take over my heart, and lead me in the path God ordains. Psalm 37:4 proclaims that God will grant the desires of our hearts; yet, there is much more to receiving these desires than simply desiring them.
God has called us to take delight in Him, and to serve, love, and obey Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Essentially, the idea is that our whole heart’s desire, and the encouragement of those desires should lead us to follow God’s ways more closely. Some might think this as unfair, because if God only grants what I desire, when I desire Him alone, then God sounds pretty selfish.
Even if we feel that way, it is our own hearts getting in the way. God is a jealous God, desiring for His people to love Him above all else. Yet, God is also a generous God, giving all that we need to live abundantly joyful lives, even when we are not following Him completely; for even sinners are given air to breathe, food to eat, shelter to live. God does not discriminate with His generosity; yet, we find that some people live this life with abundant joy, while others are miserable all the time. So, what is the difference?
The difference is found in those who do not give back to God; who forget to turn blessing into praise. Those who are miserable don’t give thanks for what they have been given, they don’t allow God’s love to lead and direct their lives, and they live quite selfishly themselves. We sometimes lack the encouragement to do what is upright in the Lord’s sight, and find ourselves doing everything on our own. We cannot make it in this world on our own. We need God’s love, grace, and encouragement. When we offer our best back to Him, He can and will do so much more with it than we could ever imagine. God is the greatest encourager of all, and when we seek Him first all things that bring true joy are given to us, and our heart’s desire is filled by His amazing presence.
Grace & Peace,
Sam