Receive Endurance and Encouragement from the Lord today!

There are days when we feel all strength is gone.

No one is immune to this sense of being depleted of whatever it is we need to keep going.

If you are walking through such a season—one that has you exhausted and depleted—I have good news. Our good, good Father has provided what you need to keep going.

Growing up a church girl, I remember my heart was warmed by verses like, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46.1). It was not until I became an adult and went through some stuff that I began to learn how much I truly needed the Lord for endurance and encouragement in this life.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus…” (Romans 15:5 ESV)

It is also important to remember that part of our work as Christians—as image bearers of God—is to bear up others who are struggling. This may be your neighbor who is battling depression, or a co-worker overwhelmed with fear of the unknown. It may be a member of your very household who needs a positive word to get through the coming week.

Whatever those near to you are going through (even if the result of their own sin or failings) you get to be an encouragement-carrier. What a beautiful honor it is to bless others in the name of Jesus.

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:1-2 ESV)

The author of Romans, the Apostle Paul, instructs us to engage in this work among those around us. Even when you are going through tough times, you can still reach out to serve others.

As we build up our neighbor or encourage that co-worker, we come into unity. We are reminded of the call in Romans 15:1-2 to live in harmony with one another.

As we are disciplined more and more in our faith, we become better at remembering where this endurance and encouragement come from. Of course, we will have days when we must remind ourselves that God is still in control (Psalm 121).

Sometimes, you just need to preach the gospel to yourself, friend.

When we do, we are strengthened by reading and praying the Scriptures. We are reminded that our good, good Father has already provided what we need. His endurance and encouragement is yours, today.

You can turn the verses mentioned in this post into a prayer, like the one shared below.

Father God, Your word says my help comes from You (Psalm 121). Be my help, today.

I declare You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble (Psalm 46). Lord, these are troublesome times. Thank You for walking beside me.

With my mouth, I declare You are my endurance and encouragement today and every day. As I lean on this promise and walk it out in my life, bring me into harmony and unity with those around me. (Romans 15)

Give me opportunities to bless others. This brings You glory, and it is my desire to bring You glory with my life. Amen.