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Barnabas: A Lesson in Encouraging One Another
Take a moment and recall something someone said to you as a child that you still remember today. Remember the words and how they made you feel. Think about…
Take a moment and recall something someone said to you as a child that you still remember today. Remember the words and how they made you feel. Think about where you were, approximately how old you were, and who said it. Do you have the mental picture?
I bet you do. I also would guess that the words you heard were either extremely hurtful or amazingly encouraging.
How do I know that? Because we tend to remember– long after the incident has passed– words spoken that had a strong impact on our emotions, thoughts, and being.
Both hurtful and encouraging words do that.
We have the ability to do both in the lives of those around us— to either encourage one another or cause pain.
God has given us the ability to put off our old selves, which are filled with corruption through our evil desires, and instead walk in newness of life– a new life created in the likeness of God, exhibiting true holiness and righteousness (Ephesians 4:22-24).
When our minds are renewed by Christ and we allow Him to guide our thoughts and tongues, it is easier to encourage one another.
But, it is just as easy for us to allow our flesh to take over and do harm with our words. For when we relinquish the power of Christ in our minds for a moment, the power of our tongue, backed by our innate deceitful desires, takes over. Even if it’s just for a moment, we may end up speaking a phrase that will be remembered for years to come.
Power of the Tongue
Our words matter. That likely comes as no surprise to you. Since childhood, we’ve heard the rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” I know the ultimate goal of this elementary teaching is to not let others’ words affect us so much and to learn how to not take things too personally.
But the truth is, words can, in fact, do hurt us.
Our tongues are a powerful little thing. They have the ability to speak deceit and evil (Psalm 34:13), or speak justice, and wisdom (Psalm 37:30), and tell of the Lord’s righteousness (Psalm 35:28).
Good vs. evil. Both are available in this small part of our body.
Our words have the power to tear down, build up, inspire, and belittle. With over 100 references in the Bible about the tongue and its capabilities, what makes us think that words hold no power and can never hurt us?
Sister, one of the facets of pursuing righteousness comes in the form of being mindful of the things we say. As believers, the Lord calls us to be uplifting and encouraging in our speech (Ephesians 4:29). To think we have no control over whether we do so is blindness.
What does the Bible say about encouragement?
It’s important to understand what the Word of God commands us not to do, but we cannot stop there. Knowing what the Bible says about encouragement and how we use our words gives us a basis for how we’re to conduct ourselves. And, using that knowledge, it’s our job to walk out that instruction day to day.
For example:
“Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. ”
This verse is a go-to in terms of our speech. Not only does it tell us what not to do, but it also sums up beautifully how we should talk as believers.
In those moments when a thought pops into our heads and we’re contemplating whether or not to share it, we can come back to Ephesians 4:29 and ask ourselves,
Is this a corrupt or unwholesome thing to say?
Will it honor the Lord?
If I say it, will it encourage and edify those who hear?
Is this wasteful speech or will it fill a need at the moment?
Will it give any measure of grace?
we learn how to encourage one another from the Source
Encouragement is not a thoughtless and pointless gesture. Romans 5:5 says that God is the God of endurance and encouragement. If He is the God of encouragement, then know that encouragement is direct, precise, and purposeful, just as the Lord. It should be so as it manifests in our words and deeds as well.
The fact that He is the God of encouragement is good news for us! Although God uses us to encourage one another, we are not the source of the encouragement. We only need to look to Him, who He is, and all He has done.
There is encouragement in Christ (Philippians 2:1) — by the love He showed while living on earth, in His ultimate death on the cross, and through the power of His resurrection. When we allow these truths to permeate our being, we are filled with His encouragement and that is what we share with others.
“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
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I’ll say it again, sister— our words matter! Our conduct matters. Gracious speech that is based on His truth can turn even our greatest enemies into our friends and gives us the ability to gain the confidence of kings.
Barnabas in the Bible
Let me tell you about an often overlooked friend in the Bible. Acts 4:36 tells of a Levite man named Joseph, who the apostles called Barnabas. Barnabas means son of encouragement.
Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith in Acts 11:24.
Shortly after Saul’s conversion to Christianity, Paul (formerly Saul) began preaching the name of Jesus. He came to Jerusalem where he attempted to join the disciples, but knowing Paul’s history of persecuting Christians, they were afraid of him. They didn’t believe that he truly was a disciple (Acts 9:26).
But, the son of encouragement steps in. Barnabas immediately went to Paul’s defense, personally bringing him before the disciples and sharing with them the details of Paul’s conversion and his preaching of the Word in Damascus thereafter (Acts 9:27). Barnabas, as a trusted brother in the Lord, was able to bridge the gap and alleviate the disciples' fear of this once-ruthless man.
The truth he shared about Paul encouraged the disciples enough that Paul then became one of their own— able to join them in preaching the name of Jesus in Jerusalem (Acts 9:28).
Barnabas’s encouragement cleared the confusion and promoted an atmosphere of peace amongst everyone involved.
Encourage one another with this free resource.
Sister, encouragement doesn’t take a lot of work, and it doesn’t have to be hard! However, it is something that the Lord wants us to take seriously and walk out intentionally.
Grab this FREE resource with 25 effective, purposeful, and intentional ideas to help you be an encouragement to those around you.
Encourage & Connect Like Barnabas
There is actually much we can learn from Barnabas in the Bible. Although Paul quickly becomes a highlighted character in much of the New Testament, Barnabas is steadily present in much of the book of Acts, playing what seemingly looks like a supporting role. Yet, there is so much to glean from the man who lives up to his name that helps us understand the capabilities that encouragement has.
Encouragement inspires others to “do”.
When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. -Acts 11:23-24 ESV
Because of the encouragement the people received through the work of the Holy Spirit, many came to the Lord. Not only that but those who had already come to the Lord were exhorted to remain faithful to their calling and in their walk.
Encouragement inspires connections that carry out God’s purposes.
So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. -Acts 11:25-26 ESV
Barnabas knew how God wanted to use Paul, and he did things in his power to provide Paul with those opportunities. Bringing Paul to Antioch allowed the Christians there to be encouraged by the Word through Paul and Barnabas for an entire year.
Encouragement inspires others to encourage.
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.” -Acts 13:15-16 ESV
The rulers of this synagogue in Antioch undoubtedly knew the work Barnabas and Paul were doing. They’d been encouraged by it, and now, in turn, they sought an opportunity to pass that encouragement along firsthand to those who were in the synagogue that day.
Encouragement inspires others to seek the Lord.
And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. -Acts 13:43-44 ESV
One of the most important purposes of encouragement is to inspire people to seek the Lord for themselves. Barnabas and Paul didn’t want the people to follow them; they wanted them to seek the Lord and have a yearning for His ways and His Word.
Encouragement emboldens the encourager.
And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly… -Acts 13:46 ESV
So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord… -Acts 14:3 ESV
That fire within, that only comes from the Lord, burns fiercely when we let Him, as the God of encouragement, lead our steps and direct our words.
For so the Lord has commanded us… -Acts 13:47
They were willing to do what the Lord called them to do, no matter the reception, response, or persecution.
But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. -Acts 13:51 ESV
They could withstand persecution from the Jews who were angry at them for preaching to the Gentiles, shake it off, and move on.
Encouragement brings comfort.
When you are naturally an encouraging person, the atmosphere you create permeates those around you. You don’t have to try or work hard. The Holy Spirit is powerful and is always bearing witness to the Lord and all He is. Through Him, you will bring comfort to those in your midst (Colossians 4:7-11), and uplift them during trials.
How to Encourage One Another: 5 Ways to Uplift
Let’s face it. The Bible calls us to encourage one another, so why not ask the Lord to help us do it in a way that He desires? Here are a few biblically-based tips:
#1: Rely on the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24).
We see Barnabas was filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. We need to recognize and remember that we are not the source; we can rely on the Source to guide us.
#2: Encourage through the Word of God (Acts 13).
People are yearning to hear the truth of the Word, sometimes they just don’t know it. Once they receive the life and refreshment the Word brings, they’ll thirst for more (Acts 13:42). There is nothing wrong with general encouragement, but biblical encouragement based in the Word is influential.
#3: Take encouragement with you everywhere you go (Acts 15:31).
Even when you’re delivering news or truths that are tough to understand and swallow, you can still leave those around you encouraged. Be mindful of your words, tone, and body language; even correction can bring the fresh air of encouragement.
#4: Be a faithful friend.
Not only did Barnabas initially defend Paul as a new believer and connect him to the Church, but he also stuck by Paul’s side, traveling with him on many missionary journeys. Travel the miles with a friend. Go through trials together, encourage others together, and encourage one another.
#5: Seek the Lord in whom you should encourage.
There are things happening in others’ lives that you may not be aware of. They may be facing hard tasks (Deuteronomy 3:28), struggling to make a decision, or wrestling with instruction from the Lord. Even if you have no idea why you are to bring encouragement to them, if the Lord tells you to, do so. Ask Him for the words to speak— if the words are from Him, they will always match up with the circumstances they’re facing.
Encouragement for you, My Sister!
May the God of encouragement, the One who sustains us, guides us, and cares for us provide eyes to see all He really is. May He allow you to see clearly the things He is doing in your life, and give you wisdom and discernment to know what to do in every moment.
You are a daughter of the Most High King, chosen, beloved, and blameless in His sight due to the blood of Christ.
You carry within you an incorruptible beauty that can’t fade away.
You have a purpose and He has given you the knowledge, skills, and talents to carry it out according to His will.
You are wonderfully made and all of your value is wrapped up in who He is, not what you do.
May you be strengthened by the Lord and His might all the days of your life.
RELATED: Find more encouragement straight from the Word in the BRIEF NOTES OF ENCOURAGEMENT series:
Here's a Reminder of Your Worth, Sister
Dear Sister who has lost sight of her value at the moment:
Maybe you’re so weary of what the world is telling you is right– how to look, what to believe, what’s important in life. You can’t seem to…
A Brief Note of Encouragement
Dear Sister who has lost sight of her value at the moment:
Maybe you’re weary of what the world is telling you is right– how to look, what to believe, what’s important in life.
You can’t seem to keep up with your friends and the “perfect” lives they display on Instagram. Everyone else is married. Everyone else is having kids. Everyone else is taking amazing vacations.
You feel disappointed by the way you’ve been treated. You’ve been ignored and left alone. You feel like even God has moved farther away.
Your children buck at your parenting skills and think your ways are so “mean.” Nothing you say seems to matter. You’re beginning to think that you can’t do anything right.
Well, Sister, shatter these lies in your mind with the power of Scripture. I’m here to tell you that the Lord has something different to say about your worth:
You were made perfectly, just the way you are.
For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13).
There is nothing wrong with you. Don’t let the world tell you anything different. If you are in Christ, you are a daughter of the Most High King. He didn’t mess up when He made you. You are the way you are because he knit you together that way. Your looks, your personality, your silly quirks, and those things you get compliments on all the time– they were all hand-picked and flawlessly designed by Him.
God’s work is wonderful— including you.
I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well (Psalm 139:14).
Everything the Lord created was good (Genesis 1). This includes you. You are part of His works, which means you are wonderful. You don’t have to try to be wonderful. You don’t have to perform or do more to be wonderful. The original version of you is wonderfully made.
You were purposefully created, down to the most intricate details.
My frame was not hidden from You, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139:15).
God didn’t create you with His eyes closed. He didn’t just “throw you together.” Why do so many of us treat ourselves as if He did?
That thing you don’t like about your body, the quirks others have made fun of you for— all of those things have a purpose in your life. Instead of being disappointed that you don’t look or act like someone else, seek God and discover His thoughts behind the intricate details that make you your wonderful self.
“And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.”
God has fashioned you and your days.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in Your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them (Psalm 139:16).
Not only did God see you as He created you, but He also sees you now and all the days of your life. He is El Roi, the God who sees. Nothing that happens to you or that you decide to do comes as a surprise to Him. He’s the glue holding all of your life together, weaving each strand of fabric into a beautiful tapestry to represent your life. He is the greatest fashion designer of all time.
The Maker of the universe has precious thoughts about you.
How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand (Psalm 139:17-18).
When you feel overlooked or forgotten, remember that the Lord has countless thoughts about you all the time— precious thoughts.
If He created you, intricately, purposefully, and wonderfully, does that not mean that He calls you “good” and He is proud of His work? If this is the case, are not His thoughts of you, His daughter, good as well?
Your negative thoughts and feelings about yourself hold no weight against His. Dispel those thoughts. They are not the truth. What comes from the Lord, your Master Maker is truth.
Whether sleeping or awake, the Lord is happy to be with you.
I awake, and I am still with You (Psalm 139:18).
When no one else understands you. When not a single friend is by your side. When you know you’re innocent but no one believes you. When your head hits the pillow at night and you feel guilty about how you treated your kids, believing the lie that you’ve severely damaged them and they won’t forgive you.
In all of those times, the Lord is right by your side. He will not leave you, so don’t leave Him.
Take comfort in knowing that because He sees you and every detail of your thoughts, actions, and days, He knows who you truly are— yet still is happy to be with you.
He doesn’t flee when things get tough. He isn’t embarrassed to be seen with you because He’s not sure what others might think. He isn’t afraid of gossip.
He willingly fights for you, defends you, and goes to bat for you. You don’t have to be strong enough. He is with you and in Him is your peace, joy, and strength.
Find your value in the Lord
So Sister, will you join me in remembering who our God is? How He fashioned us? How He delights in us, His daughters?
The world will always tell you that there’s just “one more thing” you have to do or accomplish to become valuable. Whether it’s a career change, a fashion change, or a personality tweak. But God—
He tells us that we are already precious, valuable, and wonderfully made. He sent His only Son to die on the cross so we could have a restored relationship with Him. And even if you were the only person created in the world, He still would have sent Jesus to die for only you.
He bought us at the ultimate price and we can’t be stolen or let alone bought back— which makes us priceless.
Let’s find our value in Him and Him only. You are worth every moment He spent creating you.
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To the Woman Who Can't See Her True Beauty
No matter what the world tells you real beauty should look like. No matter who is on the cover of the trendiest magazine. No matter what the…
A Brief Note of Encouragement
Sister, come on in. Grab a cup of coffee. Have a seat. Listen to me very closely:
You are a woman of incorruptible beauty.
No matter what the world tells you real beauty should look like. No matter who is on the cover of the trendiest magazine. No matter what the mean girls said to you when you were in high school.
You are a woman of incorruptible beauty.
No matter how that outfit fits you today. No matter how much that bad haircut gives you a perpetual bad hair day. No matter how unkempt you feel as you look at the Instagram of the latest beauty influencer.
You are a woman of incorruptible beauty.
Even though you believe you are the least put-together mom in the car line. Even though your shoes are less fashionable than those of the woman sitting in the row behind you at church. Even though your co-worker’s latest highlights give her that flawless summer look, and you haven’t had your hair professionally done in 10 months.
You are a woman of incorruptible beauty.
Even though you compared your non-workout physique to your friend’s sculpted body yesterday. Even though you are rarely complimented on your outward appearance. Even though the mom next to you gave you a sideways glance as you fed your children cheeseballs for a snack instead of organic, sugar-free granola bars.
You are a woman of incorruptible beauty.
Even if I’ve never seen you, I can say you possess beauty. Imperishable beauty. The type of beauty that no one can ever strip from you.
Why?
your beauty comes from the Lord.
1 Peter 3:3-4 tells us that our adornment shouldn’t solely be our outward appearance, but instead, it should be the hidden person of the heart.
A heart that yearns for the Lord. A heart that trusts in Him. A heart that desires to know Him more deeply.
A heart wherein its satisfaction, value, and worth come from the Lord produces an incorruptible beauty in the form of a gentle and quiet spirit.
This type of beauty doesn’t change with the trends. It’s not validated by the amount of Instagram likes it receives. It doesn’t go out of style.
“So the King will greatly desire your beauty; because He is your Lord, worship Him.”
A quiet spirit is incorruptible beauty.
Quietness means there is rest, peace, and calm. You can focus on the Lord in quietness. In the quietness of the Lord’s presence, you drown out the noise of the world shouting what “true beauty” is. This quietness means you are “undisturbed from without”.
As you lead a quiet life, keeping your focus on the calling the Lord has placed in your own life, you honor Him (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Because you see— this “hidden person” is not really hidden. She is not hidden from the Lord. He sees the inner place of your heart; the quietness of your soul.
A gentle spirit is incorruptible beauty.
The gentleness you portray in your thoughts, actions, words, and deeds is beauty in the sight of others. Because you desire to be gentle and lowly in heart, like Jesus, you are beautiful. In this humility, you find rest for your soul (Matthew 11:29).
A fear of the Lord is incorruptible beauty.
In your humble fear of the Lord, you glorify Him. And, let it be known that incorruptible beauty exudes from within you when you glorify Him.
Because you seek the Lord, yearn for Him, and get to know Him better, you are a woman who fears the Lord.
Because you fear the Lord, your beauty is hidden inside the deepest depths of you. It is precious to God.
You, yes you, are precious to God.
And your beauty can never be stripped away.
Your reverence to your Lord is incorruptible beauty. Your respect and biblical submission to your husband is incorruptible beauty. Walking out the fruit of the Spirit in your parenting is incorruptible beauty. Honoring the Lord in your quiet time is incorruptible beauty.
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”
Sister, today I encourage you to know your worth.
Understand your value in the Lord. Meditate on the fact that you are a daughter of the King. Remember the mercy He sheds and how His grace abounds in your life.
sister, today I exhort you to look in the mirror.
Look in the Lord’s mirror– this morning; before you go to bed; tomorrow; next week. The reflection He provides you with outshines whatever standard of beauty the world is dying to impose upon you.
The world’s charm is deceitful and its definition of beauty is ever-fleeting. Don’t give in to these things.
No– today, purpose to wear your quiet and gentle spirit well. Fashion yourself in the fear of the Lord.
Can you see it, sister? Do you see yourself in the mirror?
You look like someone who is precious in the sight of God.
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15 Encouraging Psalms You Can Hold Onto
When we are struggling, going through a difficult season, or even experiencing joyful times– the Psalms is a great book in the Bible to turn to. In its many verses, you can find hope, strength, encouragement, and inspiration…
When we are struggling, going through a difficult season, or even experiencing joyful times– the Psalms is a great book in the Bible to turn to. In its many verses, we can find hope, strength, encouragement, and inspiration. But, in my opinion, one of the best things the Psalms do is help us keep our eyes focused on the Lord.
In good times, we have the natural tendency to focus on ourselves or how good our situation may be. It’s easy to forget to give God glory when we’re standing on a mountaintop.
In the hard times, it’s much easier to dwell on the situation at hand– how difficult it is, the many questions we may have, or the anxieties about the unknown outcome that we let fester within us. In our minds, we think we see clearly the things right in front of us.
Yet, what we see in this world we don’t truly see clearly. The sin, our limited thinking, and others’ input cloud our sight. We think the things of this world are more real than anything else– but, they’re not.
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The God of the universe is real. He is truer than anything we see, face, or perceive on this earth and in our lives.
But, sometimes we forget that. Am I right, sister? At least I know I do. I can’t see the forest for the trees, and I forget that I serve an amazing, strong, and mighty God who is all-knowing and all-powerful. He is over all things, and yes– that includes any circumstances we face right now.
So, whether you’re looking for Bible verses about hope, protection, encouragement, or guidance, the Psalms is a good place to start.
The Psalms we’ll visit in this post come from the first third of the book. Obviously, there are many more that could be listed. I encourage you to spend some time reading the rest of this beautifully written book and bask in His goodness!
So, let’s dive into my list of encouraging and powerful Psalms! Along the way, we’ll also discuss what we can learn from them, what they tell us about the Lord, and how to pray using the verses.
All scriptures are noted in ESV.
Psalms About Encouragement
If you’re looking for encouraging Bible verses, the Psalms is one of the best places to go. Maybe you’re like me– you have encouraging Scripture verses on your fridge, in your journal, or earmarked in your Bible. Let these sweet promises feed your soul today.
Psalm 27:13-14: “I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 31:24: “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!”
Psalm 55:22: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can see the goodness of the Lord if we only look
We should wait for the Lord and His timing
The Lord calls us to be strong and take courage
We can cast our burdens on Him, knowing He’ll sustain us
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He calls us to wait on Him
He strengthens the hearts of those who wait on Him
He sustains us when we cast our burdens on Him
He doesn’t allow us to be moved
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, You are so good. Thank you for strengthening me when I need it, and for not allowing me to be shaken or moved. I pray that I would willingly cast my cares and burdens on You, trusting that You’ll sustain me. Help me to wait for You, knowing You will strengthen my heart as I wait.
Psalms About the Lord’s Protection and Deliverance
How do you ask God for protection, and what does the Bible say about God keeping us safe?
Psalm 18:2-3: “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.”
Psalm 5:11-12: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”
Psalm 37:39: “The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.”
What we learn from these Psalms:
The Lord is our: rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, the horn of our salvation, and stronghold
We can take refuge in Him
We should praise the Lord, for He is worthy
We can rejoice and have joy in Him
We are covered in His favor
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He saves us from our enemies when we call on Him
He provides refuge
He spreads protection over us
He blesses the righteous
Salvation is from Him
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, thank You for your protection and deliverance from all my enemies. You save me in times of trouble. I can come to you for safety, knowing you are my shield. I praise You simply because You are worthy to be praised.
Psalms About the Lord’s Safety
What does the Bible say about safety and protection? Quite a bit, especially in the Psalms! Many of David’s psalms were written at times when he was in heavy distress while being pursued by his enemies. I love the raw, uncut passion, uneasiness, and vulnerability he often communicated; yet at the same time, he shared his hope in the Lord.
Psalm 4:8: “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 7:10: “My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.”
Psalm 62:6: “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can lie down in peace
God is our shield
God is our rock, salvation, and fortress
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He makes us dwell in safety
He saves the upright in heart
He doesn’t allow us to be shaken
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, I pray that You will not let me forget that You are the only safety net I need. You keep me in your care and protection, and when I am with You, I dwell safely. I know that I can sleep peacefully because Your presence is with me. I thank You that when I allow You to be my only rock, I cannot be moved.
Psalms About the Lord’s Guidance
What does the Bible say about making good decisions? The Lord is there for us, not only for protection and safety but also for guidance as well. God cares about our decision-making, and He wants us to make purposeful decisions that honor Him. But, how can we do that?
Psalm 16:8-11: “I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”
What we learn from these Psalms:
Our first step is to set the Lord before us and our situations
The Lord is at our right hand
We can dwell securely because of His presence
In His presence, there is joy and pleasures
We can delight in the way He has for us
His presence should make our hearts glad and rejoice
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He is the one who establishes our steps
He does not allow us to be shaken
He keeps us secure
He does not abandon us or allow us to see corruption
He allows His path for us to be known by us
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, I know so many times in my life I want to be the first to take the reigns. Yet, this is not what You prefer for me I’m thankful that You always have a path for me. I pray that You’d help me always to set You and only You before my thoughts and my actions. You keep me secure and You don’t abandon me. When I am tempted to direct my own steps, I pray that You would guide me back to Your way, where I can experience Your fullness of joy.
Psalms About the Lord’s Care For Us
Psalm 23 is a favorite when answering the question, How does God care for us? We see Him in this Psalm as the Shepherd, leading and caring for His precious sheep— us. As we’ve learned so far, His protection, safety, and guidance all contribute to the tangible ways in which He cares for His own.
Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 33:18: “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.”
Psalms 34:17: “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
Psalms 40:1-3: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.”
What we learn from these Psalms:
We can cry for help, being confident the Lord will hear us
The Lord will deliver us from our troubles
We will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
We should fear (reverence) Him, and keep our hope in His love
We need to patiently wait for the Lord
When we praise Him, others will take notice and put their trust in Him
What does the Lord do for us, according to these Psalms?
He pursues us with His goodness and mercy
He watches over us
He not only hears our cries but answers them as well
He delivers us from our troubles
He pulls us up from the pit that tries so desperately to keep us ensnared, and sets our feet upon a rock
He puts songs of praise in our mouths
How can we pray these Psalms?
Dear Lord, when I am down, stuck, and feel there is no way out, I’m thankful that You set me upon Your solid rock. You keep Your eye on me and listen for my cry. Thank You for responding and delivering me, time and time again. I ask that You help me to wait patiently on You, not taking matters into my own hands. Help me to remember that You will always come. And, when You put that sweet song in my mouth, may I sing it unabashedly so that You can be glorified and praised to all the people.
Free Bible Study: Finding Trust, Praise, and Faithfulness in the Psalms
I pray this list of encouraging Psalms Bible verses has helped you see more clearly who the Lord is and what He does for you when you trust in Him. In order for you to continue your study of His goodness, I have a gift for you: a FREE Bible Study!
The Finding Trust, Praise, and Faithfulness in the Psalms Bible Study will focus on several Psalms that talk about the topics of trust, praise, and faithfulness. The 16-page study will follow a similar format as above, inviting you to ponder what you can learn from the verses, what the Lord says He will do, and finally, space to write a prayer.
Download YOUR FREE Bible Study using the form below.
What are your favorite encouraging Bible verses? Let me know in the comments below!
Living for the Lord on Purpose
God is the only one you should be concerned with pleasing. Does this mean that you should purposefully disappoint others, or not care if you accidentally do? Not at all. But God’s ways are higher than man’s ways, and you can’t live life solely focused on what others think.
Why?
A Brief Note of Encouragement
We live in a world that offers a lot of advice on the topic of ‘how to live your life on purpose.’ Advice will tell you to follow your dreams, pursue your passions, and live how you want to live-- according to your morals and beliefs. While there is nothing wrong with having aspirations or things you wish to accomplish, when your only purpose in life is to do what you want to do and live how you want to live, you're missing the boat-- especially as a Christian. The following has nothing to do with living for yourself, as I don't believe that is what God calls His children to do.
The excerpt I'm sharing below is from an old journal entry from 5/21/2007. Unbeknownst to me, those many years ago, God was preparing me to not only think about how to live my life on purpose but also how to encourage others to live on purpose. I guess you could say that this blog had its conception way back then. Originally, I wrote these words as if speaking to myself; but today, I speak them to you.
Live for the Lord on purpose.
His glory should be reflected in your face, your words, and your actions. Each day, everything you do should reflect Christ’s character. Once you’ve accepted Christ and put your complete trust and faith in Him, you are being transformed into His image, from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). It is up to you to show this to others– not for recognition or a pat on the back, but because it gives glory to God.
What is your purpose in life?
To glorify God.
God is the only one you should be concerned with pleasing. Does this mean that you should purposefully disappoint others, or not care if you accidentally do? Not at all. But God’s ways are higher than man’s ways, and you can’t live life solely focused on what others think.
Why?
Because others have their faces veiled if they are not in Christ; they will not see you or the things of the Lord clearly. Fifty percent of the time they will question the things you do, and the rest of the time they may criticize you. The veil keeps them from obtaining true understanding. But-- you have a clear vision, and by leading them to Christ, their veil will be lifted. Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:15-17).
Your life should reflect the Lord, what He has already done, and what He continues to do every day. Regardless of what others do or say, this will leave a trace of hope in their lives.
don’t hide the Lord’s work in your life
Live out God’s Word. Don’t shy away from His instruction during your interactions with others. Your life may be the only “version” of the Bible they've ever read up to that point. Be Christ-like in all you do. This will glorify God.
When you choose to hide the Lord’s work in your life, you are being selfish and seeking to stay comfortable. I know; I’ve been there. I can clearly remember times when I didn't speak up to defend the Lord or give Him the glory for something He’d done in my life. However, in doing this, you seek to only receive glory for yourself because it gives off the false impression that all you have and all you’ve been through has been made possible by you.
It’s that age-old battle of “In you alone vs. In Christ alone.”
show less of yourself
Do you have spiritual gifts? (Say yes!) Don’t waste them by keeping them to yourself. If you’re not sure what they are, pray. If you’re not sure how to use them, pray.
Display who you are in Christ so He can be glorified in you. Show others less of yourself and more of Christ.
Less your way. More YAHWEH.
seek the lord
Above all else, SEEK HIM. Seek His Word, His truth, and all that He is. Purpose to know Him. The more you know the Lord, the more you'll yearn to please Him, and not yourself. In pleasing God, you will see just how pleasing He is to you.
The Christian’s purpose in life is to glorify God, enjoy Him, and promote His plans. Sister, today I beseech you to live your life on purpose.
Original journal entry written by Shanna Ream in 2007, with a few additional notes added in 2021.