Encouraging Words For Today – How To Be Joyful
We could all use some encouraging words for today on how to be joyful given the current climate we find ourselves.
When we look at all the changes that have occurred over the last two years, one can’t help but be rocked.
As I sit here in my chair, I ask the Lord, ‘What can I do? How can I help?’
His answer?
- Be encouraging.
- Share encouraging words.
- Pray.
I think back to all the times someone else has encouraged me along the way. Those encouraging words helped lift my spirit. I can do the same for others. I can be encouraging and share encouraging words. I can also pray.
In 2020, I decided to start a Zoom Bible study. We needed something to help calm our fears.
Our topic? Be Joyful by Warren Wiersbe. The basis of the book is on the New Testament book, Philippians.
Let’s go be joyful I thought. Ok. How do we do that? How do we be joyful in such difficult times?
As we gathered together for the first time via Zoom, what the Lord had whispered to me was confirmed. Many women in the meeting needed encouragement.
They needed to hear encouraging words and be reminded that God is still sitting on the throne no matter what the outcome.
We dove into our Bibles, specifically the book of Philippians, and we found a treasure trove of encouraging verses from a little book written by the Apostle Paul about joy.
Paul’s resume
I will share a summary of Pauls’ life and see if you can find any reason why Paul would spend so much of his letter encouraging others to be joyful.
- worked very hard
- was jailed often
- beaten up several times
- flogged five times
- beaten by Roman rods three times
- shipwrecked three times
- pummeled with rocks
- immersed in the open sea for a night and day
- hard travel year in and year out
- crossed rivers
- fended off robbers
- struggled with friends and foes
- at risk in the city and country
- endangered in the desert and sea storm
- betrayed by those he trusted
- hard labor
- long sleepless nights
- missed many meals
- cold and naked at times
- suffered from a “thorn” in the flesh
- decapitated in AD67 by Nero
Yikes! That doesn’t sound too encouraging, does it?
What was the secret to Paul’s joy?
His confidence in the sovereignty of God was the secret to his being able to be joyful in all circumstances. The other secret? His hope in God’s promise of heaven.
I would like to share some of the passages from Paul’s letter to the Philippians with you. And even if you have read them already, it won’t hurt to reread them and be reminded of what we can do during these very troubling times. We can take a few lessons from Paul’s life.
Paul’s encouraging words?
Be joyful!
Rejoice!
Be Kind!
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” Philippians 2:14-16
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me –put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
Some days are harder than others
There are days I don’t feel like rejoicing, being joyful, or kind. Life is hard some days and while I am not experiencing the same hardships Paul faced, I still find some days to be more than I can handle. It’s in those moments, I need to remember what the Lord said. Be encouraging, share encouraging words, and pray. And I can be like Paul too – be joyful, be kind, and rejoice.
My life can certainly be worse. So I am thankful and I thank the Lord daily for bringing me through another day and allowing me to serve and love him.
As we continue to battle the virus, my hope is these verses are encouraging words you can hold onto. Let’s be joyful and encouraging during these difficult days by putting the Lord’s words as well as Paul’s words into action.
You are loved!
Blessings!
The Teaching Lady
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