Daily Devotion - January 11, 2023

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb. 10:24)

During a youth event, a group of kids were playing a game. But one girl sat alone and feeling dejected. Her life felt unbearable, and she believed that nobody loved her. But instead of brushing her aside, the other kids in the room read encouraging scriptures to her, reminding her of God’s love and grace.

So, when she asked, “Why doesn’t God talk to me that way?”  the youth pastor replied, “He does. He did. God just talked to you through the Bible and through the friends who encouraged you with his Word.” 

That’s so helpful for us to remember: God can still speak to us from his Word by allowing others to encourage us with its truths. Sometimes God encourages us in our moments of discouragement by simply bringing his Word to mind. Other times he comforts us by using understanding friends or family to bring his Word into our relationships.

Whether we are recipients of God’s encouragement, or dispensers of it, the truths of his Word are always the ultimate source of comfort that God brings to our hearts.

Prayer: Father, thank you for encouraging me through your Word, and also through brothers and sisters in Christ who share it. Help me today to hear you and to be an instrument of sharing the comforts of your Word with those around me.