May 12, 2025

We may be eager to encourage someone down on their luck and give them flowery words to lift their spirits, but we need to be careful not to tell them things that could further destroy their confidence if what we say to them ends up not coming to pass. An example would be Job's friends telling him he would regain all his prosperity, when they had no guarantees he would. The best way to encourage someone who's down is to repeat God's promises to them because we know they are trustworthy and true. Remind them of what Jesus did for us on the cross, and pray with and for them. Pray that God would open their eyes to see the spiritual army surrounding them and hem them in on every side. Help them go to war and fight the good fight of faith. Teach them to put on the spiritual armor so they might stand firm, knowing that God is in control, and reassure them that everything happens on His timeline, and they will someday benefit from our trials. Tell them that when we are weak, He is strong, and remind them of His love and grace and the promise of eternal life to those who put their faith in Him. There are many ways to encourage them without making promises and projections that might not come true. Be encouraged today if you are passing through troubled waters, hold the hand of Jesus until the seas are calmed. 

But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you. My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart. They change the night into day: the light is short because of darkness. Job 17:10-11