Heroes of Encouragement

And when they read the letter, they rejoiced
because of its encouragement...
Acts 15:30-35

Oftentimes, I will draw encouragement from individuals such as King David and the apostle Paul... ​

In the Psalms David is either praising the Lord with exuberant joy, or he's crying out in anguish knowing that the Lord will respond to his cries and bring deliverance. He's either relaxing in a lush green pasture, or he's hiding in a dark cave pleading for God's help, knowing the Lord will come to his rescue.

David was so very human. He knew how to encourage himself in the Lord as well as give encouragement to others by always trusting the Lord in bad times and good. And when his prayers were answered, David would sing for joy. While in difficult times, he would call upon God for help, rather than sulk and complain.

As for the apostle Paul, he too lived with the joy of the Lord. Paul would rejoice whenever good reports came his way from the churches he helped to establish. Yet when bad reports would come, which at times they did, Paul would write letters to those churches to correct what was wrong and bring them back in line.

Through letters or in person, Paul brought order to the body of Christ. In so doing, he brought encouragement as well. Both Paul and King David knew how to look to God for all things, and to always have faith in Him. They in turn taught me to call upon the Lord when I need Him, as well as to praise and thank Him whenever He comes through.

Paul and David encourage me by the way they lived lives of faith, hope and victory. They truly were Heroes of Encouragement, and there are many more.

D.B.