Everyday Encouragement

Not long ago, a friend of mine reached out, asking for some encouragement. I appreciated that he reached out to me. When I saw his text, I immediately thought of something Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, once said. He was famous for asking, “What’s the telltale sign that someone needs encouragement? How can you look at someone and know they need encouragement?” Then he paused and answered his own question: “They are breathing.”

Everyone needs encouragement, and we need it on a regular basis.

I love that quote by Truett Cathy. I know I need encouragement regularly. And while I understand its value, I don’t always give it as often as I should. When someone struggles—or when I struggle—I tend to think, “Suck it up. Be Philly tough.”

So, when my friend needed encouragement, I knew I couldn’t rely on my own words. Instead, I turned to God’s word. Four Scripture passages came to mind—my go-to verses for encouragement. I hope they encourage you today, and that they’ll be verses you can turn to when you feel like giving up.

1. Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know well the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

God has great plans for you and sees immense potential in you. As you pursue Him and develop your gifts, He will reveal His plans for your future. Whenever we feel unsure or doubt our future, we can take comfort knowing God has great plans for us—plans full of hope—and we can trust Him.

2. Lamentations 3:23-24

“The favors of the Lord are not exhausted, His mercies are not spent; they are renewed each morning, so great is His faithfulness.”

This passage has resonated with me for a long time. Each day we wake up is a fresh opportunity to receive God’s favor. His blessings never run out. No matter how much we think we’ve messed up, God’s mercy is never depleted. His mercy tank never runs dry. So whatever happened yesterday—whatever failures you experienced—put them aside. God has fresh grace for you today.

3. Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

God has great plans for you, and He wants to use you. You are His masterpiece. Your life isn’t just your own project; it’s God’s as well. He is shaping and molding you each day. He has good works prepared for you that align with your gifts, passions, and desires. As you walk in these good works, you will become the masterpiece God has created you to be. So, invite God to shape your life, trusting that your life isn’t yours alone.

4. Psalm 18:19

“He delivered me because He delighted in me.”

God delivered you from sin and death because He delights in you. He loves you. When you’re struggling, God doesn’t see it as an inconvenience to come to your aid. He delights in giving you the grace and strength you need. Take courage in that.

Rooting for you,
Tom