ENCOURAGEMENT

ENCOURAGEMENT!

Heb 12:12-13

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

           The word “encouraged” or “encourage” is found in the Old Testament about nine times and each time it is translated from the word chazaq which means, among other things, “to strengthen, cure, help, repair, and to fortify.” It also means “to seize” like a parent grabbing a child who is falling.

           Oddly, the word encourage or encouragement does not occur in the New Testament at all. However the sense of encouragement or discouragement is everywhere. In our text in Hebrews, the apostle refers to Isa 35:3-4 “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.” The words are an address to persons almost worn out with sickness and fatigue, whose hands hang down, whose knees shake, and who are totally discouraged.

           I am a people-person. People encourage me! I am often amazed and lifted up by their love, concern and genuine help especially those who are connected by a mutual faith in God. The Psalmist comments on the encouragement of Christian fellowship in the following.

Ps 133

133 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;

3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord  commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

Dear Lord, let me be an encouragement to those who are worn out. AMEN