The Watchman's Diary

Where do you turn when you need encouragement? When Solomon wrote this proverb, they did not have the resources available to us today. There was no Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, or any of the many social and entertainment platforms we have today. They were not able to tune into their favorite radio or television program, stream their favorite pastor, or even call up a friend on the other side of the country or world. Proximity and relationships were key to giving and receiving timely encouragement. Technology has expanded our ability to build and maintain relationships; while eliminating the time it takes to send and receive a word. Furthermore we­—especially here in the West—have greater access to the Word of God. Why then does it seem like our generation is growing more anxious?

Is it that we are more concerned with our own desires and well-being? Are we more focused on what we can achieve and the name we build for ourselves than for the needs of others? Are we now more concerned with building wealth and protecting what we have built than using what we have gained to meet the needs of others? Are we more concerned with receiving encouragement than we are giving it? 

“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4)

Besides the people who are very close to you, how often do you get anxious when you consider the plight of others? Consider this question carefully. It may be that you are one of those who are greatly affected by the suffering of a stranger. If not, and if you are honest with yourself, is it because you are not directly affected by the evils that fall on others? Not that it is for us to resolve, but to prove a point that the focus on self is often more real than we care to admit.  

If you have professed Jesus (Yeshua) as your Lord and Savior, you are part of the body of people He calls “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13,14). Believers by nature, exist to share the Love of Christ……with everyone! Just as light exist to show the way for all to see, and salt preserves and amplifies the flavor of love He has shown through his sacrificial death and resurrection.  Neither does light give way to darkness nor salt to bitterness. It is not a proclamation to compromise, but to expose darkness and share that good that is in us—the Holy Spirit.

“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

Offenses will come, because we live in a fallen and ideologically divided world. When it does, we are to remember that “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1a). Trouble and situations that create worry will come. When they do, we must remember Gods’ promise to “never leave us nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). Instead, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).

“The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” 
(Hebrews 13:6)

When you need a word, share a word. Give that which you may feel you are most in need of and watch God return it to you in far greater measure. No matter what you are feeling, God has not and will not abandon you. Stay focused on Him and He will see you through. God does not move, if He seems far away it is time to examine if you’ve moved away from Him! 

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” 
(1 Thessalonians 5:23)