Discouragement comes in various shapes and sizes. As a health and wellness life coach, I hear a common theme from folks who feel discouraged because they seem stuck – in an unfulfilling career, a bad relationship, or a difficult situation. Sometimes they have a deep soul-yearning to pursue a long-ago dream but aren’t sure how or where to start reviving it.
Discouragement can be heavy and disheartening. It comes after a loss or when we’ve missed the mark, made a wrong decision, or let a bad habit go on for too long. Perhaps you’ve felt the sting of criticism or someone’s harsh words or encountered an obstacle that has taken you off course. When life’s difficulties press, squeeze, challenge, drain, and exhaust us, discouragement can set in.
Discouragement can be a repetitive soundtrack in our mind saying, You’re going to fail. You’re not good enough. You’re going to make the wrong decision … again. Things are not going to get better. Just throw in the towel! It’s an insidious attack on our well-being leaving us feeling low-spirited and deflated. Discouragement keeps telling us, There’s no way out; you’re stuck here; and we may begin to believe it.
To stop that dreadful soundtrack requires encouragement! It is essential to our well-being. Encouragement says You matter. It can be done. You are loved. I’m here for you. I’m listening. We all need to receive encouragement and we all need to be willing to encourage.
Don’t underestimate the power of encouragement. It is a transformational force. It helps release burdens, uplifts, boosts, and motivates. Whether you’re supporting a child in their learning, uplifting a friend facing a challenging diagnosis, being an accountability partner for a friend’s fitness challenge, or simply smiling at someone in the store, you are helping to empower, uplift, and motivate. A little can go a long way!
Here’s where the power of encouragement comes from:
- The Greek word for “encouragement” is “paraklesis”. It can mean to come alongside, comfort, and encourage.
- The Greek word for “Holy Spirit” is “parakletos” – very similar to “parklesis,” meaning advocate, helper, and comforter.
- Both words come from the words “alongside” (para) + “calls/called” (kletos/klesis).
The similarities between the two words are not coincidental. The power of encouragement comes from God! For Christians, the Holy Spirit comes alongside us, guiding and cheering us on. As Christ’s ambassadors and advocates, we too can come alongside someone to comfort and encourage them. It’s part of “being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
How do we encourage? To help inspire confidence and promote hope in the face of another’s ongoing challenges, we can encourage them with praise, constructive feedback, a kind word, a friendly smile, a caring gesture, and a listening ear.
Can we ‘self’ encourage? Perhaps, like me, when feeling discouraged, you lace up your sneakers to run on a woodsy trail and spend time in nature. Maybe you write in a journal. Some of the best encouragement can be found in God’s Word; scripture is filled with verses that provide uplifting words of hope and inspiration from the Great Encourager! Here are just a few: (emphasis added)
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.
Psalm 40: 1-3 (NIV)
God didn’t set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. He died for us, a death that triggered life. Whether we’re awake with the living or asleep with the dead, we’re alive with him! So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG)
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (ESV)
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Proverbs 12:25 (ESV)
Give encouragement – Go on! Get out there today and encourage someone! The kindness you extend will likely be a boost for yourself as well. Be an encourager! Send the text, make the call, write the note, give a smile, and/or pray for someone!
Receive encouragement – God knows our pain and has compassion for what we endure. In His lovingkindness, He encourages and strengthens us along the way. In addition to the Holy Spirit, God gives us other people to discuss our discouragements with – a friend, a spouse, your pastor, or a counselor.
I’ll leave you with a blessing from the Apostle Paul:
May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,
Romans 15:5 (ESV)