A Shout of Encouragement

A Shout of Encouragement

He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone,
and my hope has he pulled up like a tree.
He has kindled his wrath against me
and counts me as his adversary. — Job 19:10-11

There will be moments in our life that we will feel alone. Abandoned by people and by God. And this is a terrible feeling. It's one that Job describes well. One where we feel detached from resources and in this losing battle with God.

But here's the good news. While we've been reading through Job now for days, all these conversations with Job happened in only one day. It's over just hours in this one day after a few conversations with some heartless friends that Job begins to lose heart. And yet we all know because we can read ahead in the story that the end of this day will be incredible.

As a spectator to Job's despair, I want to shout to him from the sidelines.

"Hold on, Job. Hold on. Don't give in. Don't say anything stupid. Don't listen to those fools. Don't give up. Hang on, just a few more hours. The end is coming! It's going to be marvelous."

Today, I want you to consider one person who needs to hear a shout of encouragement — a person who is down and almost out. And then shoot them a text, send them an email, or give them a call. And then speak a message of hope to them as they feel uprooted and surrounded. And together may our shouts echo across time to those who feel abandoned about a God who never, never, never, never, never, ever abandons anyone.

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. — Deuteronomy 31:6

ASK THIS: Who needs a shout of encouragement from you?

DO THIS: Tell them today. Don't wait.

PRAY THIS: God, I want to pray for those who feel abandoned today. Will you please be their comfort. And may my shouts of courage lift them up.

PLAY THIS: Hold On To Me.