[in]courage

Last week we resumed our family devotions after getting off track a bit over the summer. While we try to make it a priority and regularly meet around God's Word as a family, the truth is that sometimes we get busy and distracted. As we picked up where we left off the last time, we found ourselves gathering around the truths of 1 Samuel 23 which just happens to be one of my favorite passages in all of Scripture.

David was being pursued by an unstable, jealous, reactive King Saul who wanted nothing more than to kill him. Of course, to add even more drama to the mix, it turned out that Saul's son, Jonathan, was David's best friend.

Amidst the dark days and turmoil that David was in, 1 Samuel 23:16 tells us...

"Jonathan, Saul's son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God."

The next day I told my friend how moved and stirred I am each and every time I read this story. I'm reminded of the beauty and importance of Christian friendship. I ponder those whom God has placed in my life to pour courage into my heart, just as Jonathan did for David. It wasn't a "you can do it, just believe in yourself" kind of encouragement. It was Jonathan faithfully coming alongside his friend, entering into his dark hour, and reminding him of the truth of God's Word. Oh, how I praise God for those kinds of friends.

Today, appropriately enough, is the National Day of Encouragement. About a year ago, a new blog for women was launched, titled simply [in]courage. God has used the writings of this blog to bolster and encourage my heart over these past 12 months. In celebration of their one year anniversary, they offered a free pack of Dayspring's new hope and encouragement cards to assist readers in strengthening someone's hand in God. [Thank you, Dayspring!] The giveaway prompted me to pause and prayerfully consider...

Who needs to know that they're noticed...appreciated...supported?
Who in my world needs to hear that I'm rooting for them...rejoicing with them...celebrating them?
Who needs to hear I'm feeling it alongside them...weeping with them...praying for them?
Who needs to be reminded that God is able...faithful...sufficient for every need they face?

Thank you, Father, for surrounding me with the kind of friends that pour courage into my heart and direct me to the Truth of Your Word. May You use me to be that kind of friend as I seek to strengthen and encourage them in You.