Encouragement Is a Shot In The Arm!

All of us desire to be approved, appreciated and affirmed.  Mark Twain expressed how much the affirmation of others meant to him when he said, "One compliment can keep me going for a whole month."

The need to feel appreciated and valued is rooted in our human nature.  Children desire it from their parents.  Parents desire it from their children. Adults desire it from their peers, etc. 

No matter how great, how famous or how successful a man or woman may be, each hungers for affirmation.

It's the need for encouragement that causes us to keep thank you cards, emails and letters of encouragement on file.  We refer to them during challenging or discouraging times.  It is said that Abraham Lincoln used to carry around a newspaper article in his pocket that described him as a great leader.

• Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad."

Most leaders that I meet aren't seeking for "the glory of men" their merely like Apostle Paul who was:

• ENCOURAGED by Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6)
• REFRESHED by Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
• STRENGTHENED by the brothers from Rome when they came out to welcome him to their city. (Acts 28:15)

I love the Amplified version that says, "When Paul saw them, he thanked God and received new courage."

Encouragement is a shot in the arm!  But what happens when people don't encourage us?  What happens when they don't appreciate our efforts?  Honestly, it's a little disheartening when you've poured your life into someone, only to discover that as soon as you've helped them through their crisis (or crises), they now feel "led" to another church. 

David learned that you can't always count on people to reciprocate your kindness appropriately.

• Psalms 35:12 says, "They reward me evil for good, to the sorrow of my soul."

Apostle Paul said, "And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved." (2 Corinthians 12:15)

Friends, we all benefit from the encouragement of others, but there has to be something far greater than human response that motivates us or sustains us in our ministry - especially when others do not respond with appreciation or gratitude for what we do.

ANOINT YOUR OWN HEAD WITH OIL!

There was a time in David's life when no one was encouraging him, as a matter of fact, everyone around him wanted to kill him.

• 1 Samuel 30:6 "but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God."

Sometimes you just have to talk to yourself!  Of course, make sure you're careful about what you say to you!

Ultimately, people will never be able to meet our deepest needs.  Only GOD can do that.  He is the ultimate rewarder!

I love Paul's words in Hebrews 6:10-12, "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.  And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

Feel free to enjoy the expressed appreciation that people give you.  However, realize that the accolades of men (or lack thereof) do not constitute your purpose for being or staying in the ministry.

The appreciation of people can give us momentary gratification, but it is the praise and the commendation of God that will give us lasting and eternal satisfaction!

Be encouraged today!  Heaven is cheering you on!  Take that knowledge and give some heaven to others through APPROVAL, APPRECIATION and AFFIRMATION!