Our Daily Bread for 3 March 2022 – Encouraged by God

So Jonathan went to David and encouraged him in his faith in God. [ 1 Samuel 23:16 ]

In 1925, Langston Hughes, an aspiring writer working as a waiter in a hotel, discovered that a poet he admired (Vachel Lindsey) was staying there. Hughes timidly slipped Lindsey some of his own poetry, which Lindsey later enthusiastically praised at a public reading. Lindsey’s encouragement resulted in Hughes being accepted to college, which set him on the path to his own successful writing career.

A little encouragement can go a long way, especially when it comes from God. The Bible records an event when David was on the run from King Saul who was trying to “kill him.” Saul’s son Jonathan sought David “and encouraged him in his faith in God. ‘Don’t be afraid,’ he said to him, ‘my father Saul will never find you. You will be king over Israel’” (verses 15-17).

Jonathan is right. David becomes king. The key to the powerful encouragement Jonathan offers lies in the simple phrase “in God” (verse 16). Through Jesus, God gives us “constant comfort and good hope” (2 Thessalonians 2:16). When we humble ourselves before him, he lifts us up like no other can.

All around us are people who need this encouragement that God gives. If we seek them as Jonathan seeks David, and gently point them to God in a word or deed, He will do the rest. No matter what this life has in store for us, a glorious future awaits those who trust in God.

What particular encouragement has someone given you on your faith journey? What can you do today to increase someone’s faith?
Dear Lord, nothing compares to Your encouragement. Please give me opportunities to help others find new strength within you.