It was six years ago today that Sweet Monday founder, Kim Newlen, went to be with the Lord. Kim was an encouragement to everyone she touched. However, I’m sure if you ever told her that she would not have taken credit, but instead she would have pointed you to the “Best Encourager”. Below is a devotion written by Kim Newlen and published in The One Year Sweet and Simple Moments with God Devotional.
This is my command— be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
God doesn’t want us to be discouraged, but sometimes it happens. On those mornings when I wake up feeling discouraged, I ask Him to encourage me and to give me courage for that day. I know that my Father always knows best and He wants to lift my heavy heart.
Encourage simply means “to give courage to.” God gives courage to my heart when I open His Word and hear Him speak. For the longest time I thought He spoke only to the important people in church— the pastors, the evangelists, the Sunday school teachers, and the Bible study leaders. I did not know that our big God would talk to little me straight from His Word. When I began going to Him every morning with my Bible in hand, I started to hear His voice resonate in my heart and soul.
Spending time in God’s Word is no longer just a morning check- off on my to- do list. It is a way of life. I do not want to miss anything He has to say to me. If I take time to reflect on His words, an interesting thing happens— those words follow me around throughout the day. I find if I get dressed and get my shoes on before I meet with Him, I am out the door. But when I let the dishes soak a little longer and keep my bedroom slippers on, it forces me to slow down and park myself in His Word. He gives me courage by His Spirit, encouragement that will overflow to others. He is the best Encourager there is.
Let’s park ourselves in His presence as much as we can. Even in the midst of our long to- do lists, we need to listen to God and be encouraged!