The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.—PSALM 66:5 NKJV
We tend to think of encouragement as coming in the way of cards, phone calls, gifts, or efforts performed on our behalf. Isn’t it wonderful how God uses people to encourage us? But when the cards or calls don’t come, we’re wise to look at the other ways God can send us encouragement.
First, He uplifts us through His Word. Just by reading the Bible, we’re reminded of the grace and love God has for us. Then there’s His creation. Watching a bird fly, seeing a squirrel scramble up a tree, and observing a beautiful flower or a wonderful sunrise are just a few ways God reminds us of His power. Encouragement can also be found by remembering what God has done for us.
If it’s been a while since you received a phone call, visit, or card, don’t grow discouraged, thinking that God isn’t aware of your needs. He’s creative in His encouragement—just take the time to look for it.
Dear God, I thank You for all the ways You encourage me. May I not overlook Your blessings because they didn’t come in the form I expected.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)