The Source of Our Encouragement

When we are in distress and searching for answers, we often worry about things the Lord is willing to handle for us if we just call on Him.

Psalm 120:1 “I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me.”

What are you worried about today?  The Lord is willing to handle it.  No matter how difficult the circumstances may be, the Lord wants you to call on Him.  Are you feeling alone and separated from support systems? Not sure where or to whom to turn?  The Apostle Peter gave wise advise to Christians exiled and scattered throughout four Asian provinces: Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia.  He encourages them to call on the Lord.

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Three God Given Resources

His Song

God provides us with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to boost our joy and provide a new focus for hope. In Ephesians 5:18-19, the Apostle Paul calls us to “be filled with the Spirit” and  encourage each other with God centered praise.

Ephesians 5:19 “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,”

Worshiping is God focused and helps bring us to a point of reflection and meditation rather than overreaction and dejection. Our focus is a large part of our anxieties.  If we are always thinking of the situation, instead of the author of our souls, we can easily loose ourselves in fear and forget to call on Him.

His Gifts

God has provided us with spiritual gifts for the building up of the body of Christ.  We need to take advantage in our time of need to reach out to those who can encourage us.  We are not alone.

 1 Peter 4:9-10 “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

God designed the body of Christ to work in unison so that we may pick each other up and give support to those who are suffering and in need.

His People

We are one people in the Lord.  We can ask and receive support from each other despite any outward appearances.

There is no division in Christ:

1 Corinthians 12:12–13 “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”

We are united in both suffering and rejoicing:

1 Corinthians 12:24–26 “But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.”

Maybe the nearest members of the body are your peers, an employee, or even a grandchild.  If they are in the body of Christ, they can give you encouragement when you most need it.  All believers have a part to play in the body.  We are all called to be His instruments for good in other lives.

Our Part

So, what are you doing when you are anxious?  Are you waiting for your circumstance to change in your life to hear the voice of the Lord?   The psalmist’s advice is to start with worship and prayer and reestablish your focus on him, instead of your circumstances.  Remember that the the Lord loves you and wants you to call on Him. Be practical and hold fast to His divine support system, the people around you and their spiritual gifts.  May you take advice from Peter, the professional fisherman, to cast your anxieties on the Lord, for He loves you.  Pay attention to God instead of the outside noise, in order that you can hear His sweat voice and step out in faith.  Below, is a simple little reminder that may be helpful when the waters start to get choppy.

• Worship – Bring your worship to the Lord. Focus on Him and not you troubles.
• Cast Out – Cast your anxieties to the Lord in prayer, for He loves you.
• Reach Out– Reach for others in the body, and let them minister to you.
• Step Out – Step out in faith that He will honor your prayer and lead you.

When Peter wrote to the four regions located in the southern shore of the Black Sea, they were looking for real answers to real problems.  In the same manner, we can take hold of his advice for God loves you and wants the best for you.  Start casting now, for He is ready.

Bible References:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1984 (Ps 120:1), (1 Pe 4:9–10), (1 Pe 5:7), (1 Co 12:12–13), (1 Co 12:24–26). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2016 (Eph 5:18-19). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

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