Among other things that describe my bent, I consider myself to be a Chief Encouragement Officer.  Being an encourager is one of my spiritual gifts & flows out with ease. But, sometimes the encourager needs…. encouraging!

A little back story: I’ve been gradually working through a painful experience for the last few months, relying heavily on God’s faithfulness & strength.  And this past week, I could sense in my heart that I had made major strides in getting beyond it emotionally and mentally.  Then a funny (or I should say, not so funny) thing happened, and I took the bait to get back in my feelings over the whole thing.  And like clockwork, it wasn’t long before my sense of triumph within started to fade as I focused more and more on it rather than on what God had already revealed to me.

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning… and this morning God allowed me to hear two powerful testimonies of His goodness towards others that turned my heart and focus back around and ushered in the praise that is due unto Him—at all times.  I was lovingly “forced” to shift my focus, away from the “the situation” & back to God’s goodness in my life, His love for me & my faith in what He’s promised.

I was ENCOURAGED –or filled with the courage to cast off the negative emotions and foreboding that had preoccupied me–and once again pursue my complete victory and abiding peace.

The best part of it all for me is that God served this all to me, Himself–Father to daughter.  I didn’t need to phone a friend or prayer partner (although there’s nothing wrong with that, to be clear.  God sends encouragement in myriad ways, all of which are divine.)  But today, I simply opened my eyes & began thanking Him, despite what I was feeling inside.  In return, He met me with the encouragement I needed!  I received the divine exchange of the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61: 3).

Does it mean all the wayward feelings instantly vanished? Not in this instance.  However, I’m blessed to declare (because we have the authority to do so), that I’m back on top & reclaiming what the enemy tried to convince me I’d forfeited. God, nor I, was having that—and I received the bonus of rejoicing over God’s amazing grace by way of two AWE-SOME testimonies of other believers, further disarming the enemy.

So whether it’s encouragement, a faith boost, a reminder of His care for you, or anything else, remember that God is near, intimately aware of you and what you need, and will liberally supply your every need. ️
Philippians 4:6-8
Psalm 46:1
Philippians 4:19

xo,

Dawn