NEED ENCOURAGEMENT? 10 GOLD NUGGETS TO ENCOURAGE AND EMPOWER YOU IN THIS SEASON

This year has been one wild rollercoaster of challenges and events. Who knew 2020 would pack such a punch? Mark my words, the year 2020 will go down in history as one of the most interesting years in our nation. Especially for us younger crowd, other than probably 9/11, this year will go down as one of the most life-shaping years of our lives so far in our lifetime. And for numerous reasons. Of course, the novel Coronavirus. But also the deeply seeded tension that exists in todays social and political climate. Today is also Election Day between two unique and controversial candidates.

More than ever, believers need encouragement with how to face the challenges and the difficulties of this life. Specifically, we need the presence of the Holy Spirit alive and well in our lives, the confidence our King Jesus, the counsel of his Word, and the community of other believers. Yet, even then, we still face challenges, frustrations, disagreements, and longings for something more. Something whole. Something righteous. I love C.S. Lewis’ perspective from Mere Christianity: “If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

Until then, how then can we live? Here are 10 golden nuggets to encourage and empower you not just in this election season, but in the foundation and formation of your life.

1. REMEMBER THAT NO MATTER THE CRISIS, GOD’S TRUTH STILL PREVAILS.

We were born into crisis, but we have the solution in the crisis. (See John 10:28-30)

2. IN THE SEEMINGLY SIMPLE AND THE NOT SO SIMPLE THINGS, GOD STILL MOVES AND SPEAKS.

God still reigns. He is approachable and knowable; we can trust him. (See Psalm 9:10)

3. PROTECT YOUR PEACE. CHOOSE PEACE OVER YOUR PIECES.

All the little things can add up and ultimately overwhelm us, or worse, lead us to make rash decisions. But we can choose peace. True wisdom brings peace. If you need wisdom, ask. (See John 14:27; James 1:5)

4. THIS WORLD IS NOT OUR HOME, BUT THAT DOESN’T NEGATE OUR KINGDOM POSITION TO STEWARD AND CARE FOR IT.

The frustrations and dissatisfactions we experience in this life are groanings for a better world, one that can’t be fully satisfied here. We were made for another world. But may we be the ones who bring heaven to earth. (See Hebrews 11:13; Psalm 24:1)

5. BE A CONDUIT OF GRACE. SPUR ONE ANOTHER ON.

Arguing with people unwilling to change never produces change. Seek to understand. Work to find solutions. But all the more, continue to spur one another towards love and good deeds. (See Hebrews 10:25)

6. RESIST THE URGE TO CLOSE OFF. PLANT INTO COMMUNITY. GROW TOGETHER.

If you want to go somewhere you’ve got to grow somewhere. A healthy coping response to life is community cohesion. You’ve got something to give. Be a part of it. (See Ephesians 4:16)

7. LIVE FULLY ALIVE. ALIGN YOUR HEART AND MIND.

A heart alive is a heart aligned. Want to live fully alive no matter the situations and circumstances around you? Align your heart with Gods. (See Proverbs 4:23; Philippians 2:13)

8. WATCH YOUR WORDS. SPEAK WHEN NECESSARY. ALWAYS LOVE RIGHTEOUSLY.

Out of the mouth, the heart speaks. Your words have power and that power speaks life or promotes death. Don’t hinder the truth, but do so rightly in love. (See Matthew 12:34; Ephesians 4:15)

9. BE STILL AND KNOW… OUR ULTIMATE TRUST IS IN GOD HIMSELF.

One person we can be confident in is Christ himself. Other authorities impact our lives, but they are not Truth himself. Be still and know, trusting that he is who he says he is. (See Psalm 46:10)

10. NOTHING SEPARATES US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD.

Nothing. That means “not a thing”. As hard as it might be to believe, there is no election, policy, decision-making, person, group, organization, experience, idea, or impact that was, is, or will be that will ever separate you from the love of God. (See Romans 8:38-39)

Learn more about some Kingdom Ways to Respond to Crisis & Fear.