Walking with the Wise #253: The Power of Encouragement

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul and health to the body."
—Proverbs 16:24

It is amazing how much words of encouragement can change one’s perspective. Consider one example from a secular perspective. Teddy Roosevelt envisioned the Panama Canal to greatly benefit America in regards to trade, but after initiating the most massive building project in U.S. history up until that time, the morale of the men involved had begun to wane. In fact, constructing the canal had been so depressing for the French when they had started the canal previously that they quit and handed the keys over to the United States. And then it was the United States’ turn, but the difficulties the French encountered continued on for the United States. There was great difficulty with the environment, it rained all of the time, workers were hard to come by, and even when they did come they got sick and died with yellow fever, or came and left because it was too difficult to continue. As morale wavered, Roosevelt decided to come visit the project—the first time in U.S. history that a sitting president journeyed outside the U.S. But it was his visit that ended up being the turning point for the entire project. His words encouraged the men, gave them purpose, and helped them see that they were a part of something greater, something worth their time. They finished the project in large part because of his encouraging words.

As Christians, we need encouragement. We need to be reminded that our life has purpose and that God has a plan for us. As William Arthur Ward (1921-1994) once wrote,

“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”

Encouragement helps us continue on in the face of adversity and gives us the internal fortitude necessary to do that which we ordinarily wouldn’t do. Are you in need of encouragement? Then know that God loves you and everything you are going through right now is for your good. In fact, Jesus goes through it with you (cf. Matthew 28:20).

Encouragement needs to be given as much as it should be received. So, take time today to encourage someone—everyone needs it! And may God be glorified through your words! Amen.