Thanksgiving Reversal
A word or act of encouragement has the ability to uplift the spirit. Encouragement can be a lifeline. It can raise hope and thanksgiving in a heart that is otherwise bleak.
Intentionally offer encouragement to someone today and help make their heart thankful. It will build within your own heart a reservoir of hope as well.
The Art of Encouragement has three main avenues.
1. Giving Support. Look for ways to come alongside those in your life and affirm them in what they are doing. Become a cheerleader for those you love as they move through life stretching to meet new opportunities. Actively look for ways to polish up the creativity and efforts of those in your circle as they seek to grow.
Recently my daughter gave me a card that said, “I see how much you put your heart into your work.??? That simple acknowledgement encouraged me to keep going and filled me with thanksgiving. Never underestimate the value of sincere words that build up.
2. Showing Honor. Take note of character qualities in people. Watch for courage, strength, wisdom, patience, cheerfulness, honesty, compassion, kindness and gentleness. When you find yourself noticing an admirable quality in another human being take the time to acknowledge it. Be especially ready to polish up these values in those nearest and dearest to you. It will make a difference in your relationship.
It is never too late to recognize and honor the character traits you admire. The other day my mom answered the door and there stood a man with two dozen roses. He said “Fifty years ago this month two fine people took in three hildren who really needed help. Your kindness and love have never been forgotten.??? He was one of those three children. My mom and dad were really touched and felt so honored by this gentleman.
3. Bringing Hope. The third level in the Art of Encouragement is that of giving hope. When hard times come and discouragement settles over the soul, a word of hope can keep one pressing on. A word of hope says, “You’ll make it through.??? A word of hope says, “I believe in you.??? A word of hope says, “God is with you and will help you.???
Hope, coupled with faith in God, is a mighty power in our lives. Hope in ourselves alone just isn’t enough when the journey gets hard. Hope in God and in His power and strength to meet our needs is true encouragement for the soul. It will reap a harvest of thanksgiving.
“Encourage one another daily… (Hebrews 3:13 ).
Father God,
Open my eyes to see where I can encourage today in order to help thanksgiving overflow in another’s heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.
About Gail Rodgers
Going Deeper
1. Consider these questions: Is there someone you know who needs to be encouraged by an act of support? How could you show an act of honor to someone who has helped you in the past? Is there a Thanksgiving Day that you remember above all others? Why?
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4. Related reading: Transformed by thanksgiving
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Gail thank you for your message. I’ve been encouraged by your message and it just came at a right time. I know that in any circumstances and in any situation am passing through, the Lord God is watching on me and He is always protecting me and strengthen me. Thank Heavenly Father for this day, Thank you for my children, thank you for my job as well.
Gail, God richly bless you for this wonderful message. I’ve always believed in thanksgiving but today you added a new dimension; you’ve strenthened this wonderful conviction in me. It is just the right message for me at the right time- a time that a lot of people are looking up to me; a time that I feel burdened to inspire several friends; a time that I’m more than convinced that I have to support God’s work financially the more.
I owe the Lord a lot of Gratitude. Thank you Heavenly Father.
Thank you!
Thank you Gail for your email today it sure gave me some encouragement. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favotite. It really makes me think of all things that I am really thankful for. This year I did not have my mom and I had no one near to take a meal to since I have taken care of my mom for so many years and if she did not feel like coming over I would take a meal over and spend the afternoon with her and all day I felt so lost and alone. I am still so very thankful for my family but I miss my mom so very much. It has been 3 months today that she went to live with our Heavenly Father and I’m sure she had the best Thankgiving Dinner of all. I am so thankful for having had her all the years that I did.
Thank you Heavenly Father for this day, thank you for my family and friends and my church family.
Thank you, Father for teaching me that I should find and give thanks through my circumstances. Continue to help me realize that you are greater than my circumstances. Please continue to help give encouragement when I want to give scorn, give love when I want show indifference and give support when I want to say “I told you so”.
Thank you for the grace you have continually shown me and help me to give that same grace, forgiveness and patience to others.
i want thank you and the lord for always being there there for me. sometimes when things are going a little loopy in my life you send me the right devotional that i need to hear at that moment. so thank you. i pray that you and your family have a safe and happy thanksgiving. god bless.
Thank you Lord, for all the people who encouraged me when they really had to look hard to find a reason, for all those who loved me and told me so, and for my family of believers who continue to encourage me. Give me the courage today to call and visit with those I know need encouragement today. Give me the words and actions to lift them up in your name, Annie