Hope Reflected

Encouragement and Hope from God's Word

Encouragement Archive

Monday

18

July 2016

Monday Encouragement: Deuteronomy 4:29

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monday encouragement

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Last Sunday in church, both Wes and I were struck by the speaker’s simple yet profound sermon about surrendering complete control to God.

It seems like such an easy thing, doesn’t it? Or at least easy to say?

God is in complete control.

Acknowledging that God is in complete control is the first step to contentment.

But living it,—acknowledging that in each of our lives, we will only ever be completely content after we acknowledge that God is in control,—living it is a completely different thing.

We think if we pray harder, or differently, if we do certain things, or speak in a particular manner, that God will somehow be more apt to hear our prayers.

And that’s just not true.

The truth is, that it’s when we really seek Him with our whole hearts,—all our hearts,—and our whole souls, —all our souls,— that we will truly find God and He will find us.

Sometimes, all the time, all we need to do, is surrender.

No ritualistic prayers, no special speech, just ultimate surrender. “God, you are the One Who is in complete control.”

“But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

Monday

11

July 2016

Monday Encouragement: Lamentations 3:22-23

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They are new every morning: Great is thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23

“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

How about these verses for some instant encouragement? Our Lord’s compassions are new every morning. Every. Morning.

Even on the days you don’t feel like you can face the day, or on the days when you feel too tired to get out of bed and wonder where you will get the strength to make it through the day.

We serve a God Who is merciful and faithful, and Whose compassions fail not and are new every morning.

See also Psalm 86:15:

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalm 86:15

Our God is full of compassion, grace, long-suffering, mercy, and truth.

His attributes are great, and so is His faithfulness!

Monday

4

July 2016

Monday Encouragement: Luke 1:37

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luke 1:37

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

This verse has long been one of my favourites, and is a clear reminder that the things we think are impossible, are possible with God. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all feature iterations of this truth:

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

No matter where you are today, even if the task at hand seems impossible or like it just won’t work out, trust God. He has a way of working things out exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think, if we’ll only trust in Him!

Tuesday

28

June 2016

Encouragement: 1 Peter 5:7

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1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

That’s the traditional King James Version, however translated into other versions, the “care” referred to in 1 Peter 5:7 is also translated as anxieties and worries.

Isn’t that an incredible thought? We can cast any of our anxieties, worries, and fears on the Lord, because He cares for us. He cares for us.

Whenever I read 1 Peter 5:7, I’m also reminded of Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus offers rest and peace of mind:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30

Only God can truly give us rest. For anyone who is heavy laden and filled with cares, cast them on God! 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your care — not just some of your care. God wants it all. And in exchange, He’ll provide you with the peace that passes all understanding.

If you find yourself with so many cares and if you’re feeling anxious or worried, take heart! Cast all your care upon God; He cares for you!

Monday

20

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Psalm 18:30

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psalm 18:30 God is a buckler to all those who trust in Him

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” Psalm 18:30

Ever wonder what a buckler is? A buckler is defined as being “a portable shield”, “a shield surrounding the person”, “a large shield protecting the whole body”.

If you’re going into this week (or this month, this year) wondering how you’ll ever make it through, just remember: God is our buckler. David tells us right in Psalm 18! “He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.” All you have to do is trust God. He’s got this!

David wrote Psalm 18 in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and specifically from Saul (who was seeking him out to kill him). If the great King David could utter these words when he was on the run in the wilderness, surely we can claim God as our buckler, too!

“As for God, his way is perfect:” God’s way may not always be our way (read: His way is most of the time completely not our way, for real). Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

We may think we’ve got it all together, we may think we’ve got the best plan, but when it comes right down to it, God’s way is the best way, and His plan for our lives is the best plan. We’ve been in His mind since the day we were born, and God knows every single circumstance, relationship, job, career, pursuit, joy, sadness, and love before it’s even a thought in our minds. Until we completely surrender to God’s will, we’re just wandering nomads.

“…the word of the LORD is tried:” God’s Word is tried, tested, and true. If you’re in need of encouragement (aren’t we all?!) then flip open your Bible to one of the Psalms. Proof of God’s truth is everywhere throughout the Bible, and it’s not religion; God’s Word is full of historical facts!

“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all those that trust in Him.”

If you’re entering this morning feeling unsure, or filled with doubt, or afraid, or sad, or unloved, remember this: God’s way is perfect, and He will be your buckler if you put your trust in Him. 

Monday

13

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Philippians 4:19

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Monday encouragement Philippians 4:19

There are some simple yet powerful truths found in the Bible, and Philippians 4:19 is no exception. God shall supply all your need. Simple words, but when you think about the truth behind the words, it’s a real encouragement!

The beginning of the week always brings along with it new tasks, ongoing projects, and sometimes a sense of overwhelm like, “How am I supposed to get everything done?!” You’re not alone!

In Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians, we are reminded of a very important truth; God knows our needs and will supply all that we need.

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Be encouraged. When you start feeling overwhelmed, remember, God’s got this, and He will supply all your need when you trust in Him.

Monday

6

June 2016

Monday Encouragement: Isaiah 40:29

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isaiah 40:29 encouragement and strength

For some, Mondays can be a difficult day. It’s interesting that although Sunday is considered the first day of the week, for many who don’t have faith or attend a church regularly, that they think of Monday as the first day of the week. And what does Monday mean?

Back to school.

Back to work.

Back to routine.

Do Mondays have to be a down day? Absolutely not! Mondays present a new opportunity to get back on track, to finish open projects, to pursue something new.

If you’re searching for some encouragement on this Monday, look no further than God’s Word.

Feeling discouraged?

Feeling weak?

Feeling like you don’t have the strength to go on?

In Isaiah 40:29 (KJV), we are told that God gives power to faint, and to those who have no might, He gives strength:

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29

Be encouraged. God loves you; and His strength is sufficient for wherever you are right now. He also promises to give power to the faint — if only you’ll trust in Him.

Happy Monday, friends!