by John Grant
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:9
He lives more than a thousand miles away and I only see him a few times a year, but every time I walk into his store, he makes me feel very special… like I am the only person in the world who matters to him. He is never at a loss for encouraging words. His name is Chatman.
After I saw him this week, I resolved to try to be more like him….. an encourager for other people. It is amazing what we can do when people take the time to be a source of encouragement in our lives.
Encouragement of others is a powerful leadership tool and deals with basic communication skills. The most effective way to encourage others is to show genuine interest and acknowledge what’s important to them. When we show interest, we affirm and validate.
Applaud their victories and show compassion in their defeats. When others encourage you, always reciprocate the favor and encourage them and then when respond with something unexpected. Ask for advice from others, for it makes them feel special. Offer to lend a hand, for when people see you are willing to lend your own time and energy to their interests, they will become more committed to seeing it through and less likely to give up on themselves.
We all need to be lifted up and encouraged at times and the Bible is the greatest source for encouragement, far greater than any human encouragement. The Bible is the living word of God and feeds us through the promises of God found in scripture.
Paul tells us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Isaiah tells us to fear not, for he is with us and we must not dismayed for He is our God and will strengthen us, help us and will uphold us with the right hand of His righteousness.
Jeremiah reminds us that God will be found by those who seek him, and will prosper those who find him.
The Bible is replete with hundreds of words of encouragement and I need to pay more attention to them and always be ready to share them with all who come my way, but I will also look forward to my next visit with Chatman, for nothing is quite like words of encouragement coming from those who care for us and expect nothing in return.
(a thought on life from John Grant )
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2012/03/29/jg_be-an-encourager/
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
As we live we should be in a position to encourage those who have lost direction and those who are down in spirit.
Thanks John for a thought provoking and useful message. I work for a faith based health care system, and I will use your article in working with staff on employee issues. Thanks so much for your insight and well written piece.