Helpful Encouragement
Today’s Verse:
And his armourbearer said unto him, Do all that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am with thee according to thy heart. ~1 Samuel 14:7
George Truett was a tremendously effective pastor in Texas for decades. His heart was broken when he accidentally killed his best friend while they were on a hunting trip. His daughter said that she never heard him laugh after that day. Truett had a radio program, and each day when it came to a close, he would say, “Be good to everybody, because everybody is having a tough time.” Because he knew personally what a heavy burden people could be carrying, he encouraged compassion toward them. This morning, let us consider the importance of encouragement.
There is the closeness through encouragement.
Jonathan’s armorbearer was a young man who accompanied him into battle. His responsibility was to guard him and to finish off the enemy that they confronted. He was to stay close by the side of Jonathan. Good encouragers stay close so they can detect the heartbeat and need of their friend. Encouragers are a blessing just by their very presence. Just knowing that an encourager is close to your side is a shot in the arm when you are down.
There is the conversation through encouragement.
Encouragers say the right thing at the right time. The armorbearer told Jonathan, “Do all that is in thine heart.” He encouraged him to fulfill his dream. He encouraged him to carry out his plan. He was a counselor, cheerleader, and coach all at once. Do all that is in thine heart! An encourager helps you to do what you might otherwise abandon. He was telling Jonathan, “You can do it!” He was telling Jonathan, “If that is what God told you to do, then do it!” Long before Nike coined the “Just do it” slogan, this armorbearer was encouraging Jonathan.
There is the completeness through encouragement.
“Behold, I am with thee according to thy heart.” He pledged his entire being to helping Jonathan. He was saying that Jonathan had a friend to help him. He was saying that he could be counted on so that Jonathan’s goal would be completed. He was saying, “Whatever it takes to get the job done, I am with you.” Encouragers have faith in you. They are of the utmost belief that you will complete what you said you will do. They stand by your side, lend you a helping hand, and help see you through your project. Encouragers are not afraid to get their hands dirty. They are committed to giving you all the time that you need in moving forward.
There is the contentment from encouragement.
The armorbearer was contented in helping Jonathan attain his victory. He was contented in remaining in the shadows because he had decided that his best role was to help Jonathan win the battle. Good encouragers are not glory seekers. Good encouragers do not exploit the one they are helping for their own glory. Even if it meant that the armorbearer had to lay down his life for Jonathan, he would have gladly done it.
Consider being is an encourager to others. Encourage others to dream, to plan, to execute, and to win. Find your satisfaction in encouraging other people to do their best.
Have an encouraging God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 19-21