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Today, September 12 is National Day of Encouragement-- a day to remind us that encouragement matters.
And boy isn't that the truth!?
Today, in honor of National Day of Encouragement, we're going to take a look at how to find encouragement for yourself and how to encourage those around you too. These are tips that can be used both today and every day throughout the year.
Finding Encouragement for Yourself
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.- Psalm 34:4After the few years that we have all had, we could all use a little encouragement, can't we? But where do we turn to to find that encouragement? Here are a few ideas to consider when you find yourself needing some encouragement for yourself.
Turn To God's Word
Is there any better place to turn to for encouragement than the Bible? It truly is the ultimate source for finding encouragement. No matter what it is you might be going through, there are verses of scripture that can help you through it. Here are a few verses to look up that may help:
- Joshua 1:9
- 2 Timothy 1:7
- Psalm 37:4
- Mark 11:24
- Psalm 34:4
- Psalm 28:7
- Philippians 4:13
- Psalm 55:22
- Romans 15:13
- Jeremiah 29:11
While any and every Bible is going to be a good source of encouragement, the DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible is packed full of fantastic devotions to remind us of exactly who we are in Christ. I highly recommend checking out this beautiful Bible for anyone looking for a new Bible and extra encouragement. (Visit here for more details.)
In addition to turning to God's word, turning to God in prayer can be a great way to fill our hearts with encouragement. There is often a peace that follows prayer that is unlike any other and therefor a fantastic way to find encouragement no matter the circumstances.
Similar to reading the Bible, a devotional is a great way to dig deeper into God's word. The great thing about devotionals are that they tend to be a little more focused on one particular subject or otherwise help us to better focus our thoughts on what we are reading. Encouragement is a common topic for many devotionals, so you can find many to fit exactly what you are looking for. Personally, I also love a devotional that features space for journaling as well. 100 Days of Hope & Encouragement - Devotional Journal is one such devotional that is ideal for adding a little more encouragement to your daily routine.
Pray Without Ceasing.
In addition to turning to God's word, turning to God in prayer can be a great way to fill our hearts with encouragement. There is often a peace that follows prayer that is unlike any other and therefor a fantastic way to find encouragement no matter the circumstances.
Read a Devotional on Encouragement.
Similar to reading the Bible, a devotional is a great way to dig deeper into God's word. The great thing about devotionals are that they tend to be a little more focused on one particular subject or otherwise help us to better focus our thoughts on what we are reading. Encouragement is a common topic for many devotionals, so you can find many to fit exactly what you are looking for. Personally, I also love a devotional that features space for journaling as well. 100 Days of Hope & Encouragement - Devotional Journal is one such devotional that is ideal for adding a little more encouragement to your daily routine.
Listen to Worship Music.
Oh, there is just something about throwing on some praise music that can lift my spirits like nothing else! When I'm feeling down, throwing on my favorite worship music truly can make such a difference.
Offering Encouragement to Others
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.- 1 Thessalonians 5:11
In addition to finding encouragement for ourselves, it is also important to find ways to offer encouragement to those around us as well. How many times has your day been turned around simply by the kindness of a loved one or even a stranger? Here are a few simple ways to pass along the encourage:
Passing along encouragement truly can be just that simple... a simple hello and a smile. A compliment. A kind word. Let's be honest, we don't hear kind words and compliments nearly enough these days. If we could turn someone's day around with just a simple word, why would we not take such a simple step?
In addition to finding encouragement for ourselves, it is also important to find ways to offer encouragement to those around us as well. How many times has your day been turned around simply by the kindness of a loved one or even a stranger? Here are a few simple ways to pass along the encourage:
Offer a Kind Word.
Passing along encouragement truly can be just that simple... a simple hello and a smile. A compliment. A kind word. Let's be honest, we don't hear kind words and compliments nearly enough these days. If we could turn someone's day around with just a simple word, why would we not take such a simple step?
Lend a Helping Hand.
I must admit that when it comes to accepting help... well, that's a really tough one for me. And I'm certain I'm not alone in that either. People so often say that they are willing to help, but many of us are not likely to take them up on that. While we should certainly work on that, that's a topic for another day entirely... actually following through with helping can make such a huge difference to someone's day! As I am currently dealing with trying to recover from Covid, I cannot tell you how much it has meant to have people drop off a meal or mow the lawn so that I did not have to do it on my own. These are small things that make a big difference.
Send a Hand-Written Note.
An e-mail or a text message is fine... but there's just something about going to the mailbox and getting a handwritten note or a card that means all that much more! There are a few ladies from my church who are fantastic at this, and always seem to know just when you need those words of encouragement... what a way to brighten someone's day! If you're not sure where to start, these Prayers to Share: 100 Pass-Along Notes for Hope & Encouragement are a good place to start--- offering scripture and encouragement on one side with space for your own notes on the other!
What is your favorite way find encouragement or to encourage others? Share your thoughts in the comments below?
The DaySpring Hope & Encouragement Bible will be available on October 4. You can pre-order your copy today and get the 100 Days of Hope & Encouragement Devotional Journal for FREE with pre-order! Bible and free 100 Days Devotional Journal ship upon release on Tuesday, October 5th. Visit here to order your copy.
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