Yesterday morning I was reading about Barnabas in Acts 4. The Bible tells us his name was Joseph, but he was all called Barnabas which means son of encouragement.
Every time I read that description of this man I pause. What a legacy! Encourager.
When I think of an encourager it’s someone who is supportive, someone who builds others up, someone who offers helpful correction and instruction. Then the English wordsmith in me comes out and I look at the root word – courage. An encourager is someone who builds or places courage in another.
We could certainly all use more of that. So many struggles, frightening situations, obstacles to overcome and reasons to run and hide; this world needs more people who emulate Barnabas.
Maybe you know someone who has been going through a really tough time or maybe you see a stranger and sense that they just need a smile or a kind word. It might be your child or spouse; it could be a waitress or checker at the grocery store. I once encountered a lady at the pharmacy one day. I knew the Lord wanted me to speak to her so I asked if I could pray for her, she fell into my open arms and wept as I prayed. That was a God moment!
Keep your eyes open and your heart ready – ask the Lord to use you to bring hope, strength and joy to someone today.
But maybe you’re thinking, I wish someone would do that for me today. I need encouragement – I need a kind word. Take heart. I have good news for you!
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 KJV
David’s wife and children had been stolen along with the wives and children of his men. His men were so distraught they were considering killing David because they felt it was “all his fault”. David needed someone to encourage him but there was no one so he encouraged himself…one version says he strengthened himself.
“…the men were talking about killing David with stones. This upset David very much, but he found strength in the Lord his God.” ERV
Maybe that’s how you feel today. If you need to encourage yourself today start with this verse. Look in the mirror and read it to yourself.
“You formed the way I think and feel.
You put me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because you made me in such a wonderful way. I know how amazing that was! 15 You could see my bones grow as my body took shape, hidden in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13-16 ERV
If no one else is there to offer words of encouragement this should put a smile on your face and hope in your heart! God formed you and He saw to it that nothing was missing in your development. He is still with you promising to never leave you or abandon you. You’re not alone!
Now take what the Lord has done for you and give hope to others. Let’s all change our name to Barnabas.
Thank you for being my Barnabas…. every day. Ilu
Sweet friend, I love encouraging you because you are such an encouragement to so many!