"A Word of Encouragement"

 Reflections4Life™ February 12, 2023

“A Word of Encouragement”

“And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6

Scripture Contemplation: Joshua 1; Romans 1; 12; 15:5; 2 Corinthians 7; Ephesians 6:22; 1Thessalonians 4; 5; Hebrews 13...

©Ruthe McDonald.

Be encouraged Beloved! Know that the Father in Heaven has not forgotten or abandoned you. Stand firm and know within your heart that the fulfillment of His word in your life is soon coming to pass.

I decree that this week's Reflections will be a continued source of encouragement and inspiration for your heart, mind, and soul. Be encouraged today through the word of God and by His promises. Encourage yourself and do not let go of what God has spoken concerning your life; abstain from negative people, places, and things.

How much weight does the word of God hold in your life? How much power does it hold for you? Many have forgotten the word of God. We have long forgotten the promises He has made because the trials of this life have overwhelmed us. We have become discouraged with the passing of time; believing that if what God said was going to happen, it should have happened by now. Because of these thoughts, we prolong the manifestations of His word happening in our lives.

The spirit of discouragement has seized many hearts causing them to lose sight of the promises of God. We have become lax in our intimate time with God. We no longer read or study the word, or go before Him in prayer. Our internal conversations have become one of doubt and negativity, and blame. Blaming God for not keeping His word or delivering us out of our afflictions or from the adversities we face. Some have gone so far as to believe that God has lied to them.

It is easy to lose sight and faith when we take our eyes off God. We live in a world ruled by negativity. It thrives on destruction and bad news. Seldom do we see things of encouragement outweighing negative feedback. This creates a bleak picture. Should we dwell on these things, we, too, will soon have a negative outlook and give up on what God has promised us.

I want to encourage you today to stand strong on the promises of God. Do not give in to your feelings. Emotions are subject to change. They are like a pendulum swinging either way depending upon the current winds. Stand firm in your faith. Do not go by what it looks or feels like. Instead, walk and go by the word of God, what He has spoken concerning you.

Speak to your heart and to the atmosphere the promises of God. Say it aloud every day. Write it out. Put it in places that you can see so that you are constantly reminded of what God has said concerning you.

Beloved, the enemy, our adversary, is continually seeking to destroy us. He lies in wait waiting to pounce on us at any given sign of an opening. He presses in on all sides, whispering lies into our ears, stirring up controversy and negativity, and often coming as an angel of light to deceive us. His goal is to move us out of a position of receiving what God has ordained for us. He wants us destroyed, busted, broken, and out of focus. He wants us dead.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...”

1 John 10:10 “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.”

Beloved, the enemy has already lost! He knows this! Yet, he will use every weapon in his arsenal to come at us and try to get us to forfeit the blessings and promises of God. His mission is to steal, kill, and destroy. To steal your dreams and visions; to kill you before you had the chance to live; to destroy your happiness and your peace of mind and your will to go forward! Don't you let him do that when God came to give life abundantly!

This life, through its challenges and adversities, is meant to be lived with joy, love, and hope! God sent Jesus for this purpose: that we would have eternal life. That, we would be redeemed by His blood. That, on this earth, while we tarry, we would live an abundant life filled with love, joy, peace, and grace; even in the midst of the trials that come our way.

Be encouraged today. Be encouraged that troubles don't last always, and that joy comes in the morning! Be confident in the promises of God. Stay firmly planted in the word of God. Do not slack in your intimate time with the Father! It is your key to holding on and forging ahead through all the crap the enemy tries to send your way. For, those that keep their mind stayed on Christ will be kept in perfect peace. Those that stay at the feet of Jesus, know and understand that the battle is not theirs, it is the Lord's!

My Beloveds, May the spirit of peace and prosperity finds permanent rest in your lives. I decree that every good thing that God has ordained for your life will become evident to you. Be encouraged today! Stand firm on the word of God. Do not give in to the taunts and lies of the enemy. The Father is not slacking concerning His promises to you! He is answering. The manifestations are taking place. Know that God has already declared you the winner. Believe the report of the Lord! You win! You are blessed! Now go...and be a blessing!

Original ©2018. Revised ©2023. Ruthe McDonald. All Rights Reserved.