The Ballestero Blog

What Would It Take To Encourage You Today?

• A word spoken in faith?
• A pat on the back?
• A smile?
• A money gift?
• A present?
• A word of affirmation?
• A friend’s visit?
• A helping hand?

What makes you tick? What puts a smile back on your face that makes your eyes smile too? What would it take to make your heart feel uplifted?

If you are one of those people who has everything and is still not happy, I don’t think I can offer any help here.

I’m just asking those who have had some bad days lately, or maybe some bumps in your road. Maybe there has been a major disaster in your home, your health or your finances. What would it take to encourage you today?

I really wish I could offer everyone encouraging words that I have thought up on my own, but I cannot. The good news however, is that God’s Word always offers encouragement.

The Bible mentions that David even encouraged himself in the Lord. In your case, that might be easier said than done. My refuge and help most often comes from God’s Word.

I am one of those simple guys that from my youth visited the little box on our mantle that had God’s promises printed on little cards. I would draw one out and read it, claiming it as mine for the day. Did you ever do that?

Here, let me draw some out for you and I’ll look to see if I can see a smile of hope on your face again.

Isa. 40:29-31 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Psa. 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

Psa. 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psa. 31:24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.

Rom. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

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

2 Cor. 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Psa. 138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

Psa. 37:23,24 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

Psa. 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Psa. 9:9,10 The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

2 Cor. 4:8,9 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Prov. 18:24 …and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Deut. 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Prov. 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Prov. 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

1 Pet. 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

Ex. 15:26 …for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

Heb. 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Thank God For His Promises!

Oh, And There All Yours Too, You Can Have Them All!