Encouragement: I Have To Occasionally Remind Myself

And you have forgotten that word of encouragement.

Hebrews 12:5

We all have those days when sadness oozes into our thoughts. Sometimes our problems come in bunches, and our circuit breakers all flip out at the same time. We simply go into overload.

When we have too many things to think about, we often become discouraged about Jesus. Amid the uproar of clanging thoughts competing for the attention of our minds, the spiritual rhythm we had developed dissolves into doubt and fear and discouragement.

We go before the Lord, wondering where He is. “Why have you left me? My heart was filled with the joy of a sweet melody. Everything was in tune, and I was enjoying such sweet fellowship with You, my Lord. Why did it have to stop?” Surely His Word was in our heart like a burning fire. But where is it just now?

When sadness blows my breakers, I like to read the gospel. The reminders come. I sometimes forget these simple truths for a moment. When again I see them, I am deeply encouraged. Hear these words of encouragement:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26)

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.…(1 Timothy 1:15)

…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22)

“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)

“But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.’” (John 12:32)

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20)

“But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” (Luke 22:69)

“In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should be lost.” (Matthew 18:14)

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

Sometimes I forget these words of encouragement. It is not the mind-bending, intellectually stimulating truths that encourage our downcast spirit. It is the simple truth of the gospel—the everlasting love of the Lord Jesus—that revives our soul. The old gospel—it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

I SURRENDER

Yes, God, I believe. Send it to me again—Your word of encouragement. Once again, I pray that You will fan the flame of Your gift into a roaring fire. Once again, let me say with Jeremiah, “His word is in my heart like a fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot” (Jeremiah 20:9). Amen.