14. Why Is Living Encouraged Such A Big Deal?

Living encouraged. Why is it so important, and why do I talk about it often? Well, as we live our real, everyday lives, we experience discouragement, right? We can't avoid it, even though we'd like to. And we certainly can't ignore it, even if we desire to. Unfortunately, it is a part of this life. In fact, when was the last time you felt discouraged? Or maybe you're finding yourself in a place of discouragement today? I'm sorry if you are, and I pray this episode will help. If you haven't listened to last week's episode, episode 13, Help and Hope for Discouraging Days, that will likely fill your heart with hope as well.

I'll start off by saying this truth: Discouragement does not come from God.

It doesn't. Scripture is full of examples of hope and encouragement. And as I mentioned in episode 13, hope is the cure for discouragement. Hope encourages us, because when we have hope, we believe the best. God desires for each us, you and me, to remain hopeful and encouraged. True encouragement comes from God. He is the ultimate source, and in the episode I share scripture that points us to this truth.

The enemy of our souls, on the other hand, is the master of discouragement. He will do all he can to dishearten, demoralize, and depress us. And not only that, but he wants to keep us that way. Because if he can discourage us, he can deplete us. If he can discourage us, he can devastate us. I share additional details and scripture that describe this enemy of ours.

Discouragement is one of the enemy's tools, and he is good at using it against us. But, we know God is more powerful than this enemy of ours, right? This is why it's so important to spend time with God and to read His Words in the Bible daily. This is the key to staying and living encouraged.

That's not to say we won't ever be discouraged, because like I said a minute ago, we all feel the weight of discouragement from time to time. One verse highlighted in this episode particularly reminds us we are conquerors through Him!

So, the big deal about encouragement isn't just some fluffy words that make us feel good. Encouragement isn't just to keep us positive or motivated or even happy. No. Living encouraged is much more than we may think it is. And this is why I'm all about it.

The big deal about living encouraged is this: God wants us to remain encouraged and to encourage others. How do I know? Because the Bible tells me so. We look at three verses together. Because we are encouraged, we are to encourage others.

So, who can you and I bless with encouragement today. What's one thing we can do--in word or action--to encourage and spur another on?

In your current circumstances, how does it help you to remember who discouragement comes from? And how are you inspired to draw near to God daily to plug into the hope and encouragement He offers you?

Living encouraged is so very important. Tune in for extra ways and whys to do so. God bless you!

Links in this episode:

• Help and Hope for Discouraging Days, Episode 13
• Romans 15:5 NLT
• 1 Peter 5:8 NLT
• John 8:44 NLT
• Romans 8:37 NRSV
• Hebrews 10:24-25 TPT
• Romans 15:2 NCV
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV
• Encouragement for Real Life Community Facebook group
• My Free Resources to encourage your heart