Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Everyone is in need of encouragement at times. Sometimes we may be on top of the world, but at other times we may be discouraged and really down in the dumps. For those who love God, who desire to serve Him despite their weaknesses and failings, God has this to say to them. The thing is, sometimes when we’re down we really don’t have ears to hear God directly. I’ve found that many people, even though they are are Christians, have trouble even opening a Bible when they are depressed. That’s when it’s important for their brothers and sisters in Christ to be there for them, to be “Jesus with skin on” for them. Over half the uses of “encourage” in the Bible are in the New Testament, with 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as an excellent example: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” That’s what we’re supposed to be doing! That’s not the same as ignoring sin or failing to call to repentance, when that is needed, but it does mean maintaining a positive tone. We’ve all known people whose primary gifting seemed to be criticism! Such people are deceived by the enemy and used by him, rather than by the Holy Spirit. Paul wrote very strong words in some of his letters, but he was aware that the authority he had been given by God was to build people up, and not tear them down. (2 Corinthians 13:10) We might not have the level of authority Paul had, but we too are to build people up, rather than pick at them and tear them down. We are to be instruments of God’s “righteous right hand,” which He mentions in this verse.

As I read from the beginning of this chapter I at first thought I would write on a different verse, but then I realized that my attitude wasn’t right, and I stopped and asked the Lord to make it clear what He was saying to me, rather than what I was to write to others. I was actually a little surprised when He made it clear that it was this verse, because I don’t feel discouraged at this point. On the contrary, I’m feeling blessed. However, as I started writing I understood that He wants me to be careful to transmit His message of encouragement to others, and not be one of the critical people I mentioned! At times I tend to be a perfectionist, and fail to commend progress, as opposed to completion. That’s not good, particularly for a pastor. I need to remember how gracious God has been toward me and extend that grace to others consistently, and not just occasionally. I’ll be seeing someone today who is a very wounded soul. Sometimes that wounding expresses itself in ways that are problematic for others. I am to seek to guide him, but I must do it in an encouraging way, and not so that he is further wounded. I am to receive and accept God’s encouragement for me, and be an instrument of His encouragement to others.

Father, thank You for this Word this morning. Help me follow through! Thank You for Your promise to strengthen, help, and uphold me. My I be Your instrument to that end toward others as well, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!