These days being together has its challenges. But let us not give up meeting together! (Hebrews 10:23-25)
God has given us a great tool shed, with plenty of tools for building up and encouraging one another: skype, zoom, facetime, greeting cards, phones, etc. We can leave a surprise package on someone’s doorstep or write them an encouraging letter. We can share a smile with facetime or by posting something on social media. And while in-person is still the best (you can’t beat a real hug and that in-person connection), God has covered all our needs. But what good are the tools God gives for building up His people and drawing others to Him if we don’t pick them up and use them?
Fellowshipping, worshiping our Lord and Savior, praying for each other and sharing in each other’s burdens, living for and growing in the knowledge of our Lord: these are taught all throughout God’s Word and are necessary for the increasing of our love for one another, and for our perseverance and faith.
“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing. Therefore, among God’s churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.” 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4 Did we catch that? “Your love for one another is increasing, as is your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.”
God’s Holy Word is the best tool, as He pours into us so we can pour into each other. His music is also a great tool, and this song has really stuck with me today, reminding me to keep praising the Lord, to lift up my head and to focus on God and others. Maybe this is a tool to encourage you today:
A portion of the song Alive & Breathing by Matt Maher
Joy still comes in the morning
Hope still walks with the hurting
If you’re still alive and breathing
Praise the Lord
Don’t stop dancing and dreaming
There’s still Good News worth repeating
So lift your head and keep singing
Praise the Lord!
Let’s get in our tool sheds and use them for the Lord!