“Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” 2 Timothy 2:16-17.

“Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, take it to the Lord in prayer.”  These are words of the beloved hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus. The songwriter could not have spoken truer words; in times when it appears that all else fails…we have a God who cares, a friend who sticks closer than any brother-the lover and comforter of our souls, our great encourager!

We are encouraged to come boldly before His throne of grace, so that we may obtain mercy, and find grace when we need it the most. The Lord gives peace beyond anything that we can humanly understand; sweet peace that quiets our troubled souls. He succors, hides, and shields all His beloved children! “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. 

The prophet Habakkuk affirmed his trust in the Lord in the times of trouble with these words: “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.” Habakkuk 3:19. Regardless of circumstances at any given time, as dear children of God, we are assured that He is our constant source of strength and peace forever!

My friends, we must constantly guard our hearts from feelings of discouragement and unrest; it’s only a tactic of the enemy to steal our peace and assurance of God’s loving and protective care.  One of my favorite gospel songs states, “Encourage yourself in the Lord…” How is that possible? Because what God promises, He delivers! 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 states, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

Let us faithfully walk in the strength of the Lord, taking one day at a time, learning to uplift and encourage others as we also receive encouragement along this journey of life; holding fast knowing that God is the greatest friend of all… our eternal comforter, encourager, way maker and lover of our souls! “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 15:13. 

God’s blessings of joy, peace, and amazing grace be with us all!