Photo taken in Colorado.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Encouraging Heavenly Father, I come in the Name of Jesus to give You praise and thanks for the encouragement that comes through trusting in You. When all looks bleak and things are far from what I had expected or wanted, Your loving presence fills me with hope.

When I am in need of encouragement, direct me to do like David did in 1 Samuel 30:6. “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.“ 

First step: Remind me to look back at all the past victories over sin and darkness that have been accomplished in Jesus’ Name. There have been many events recorded in the Bible and in more current history where You stepped in and redeemed even the worst situations. This is true in my own personal life as well. John 16:33 “These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Second step: Remind me that I am under Your divine protection. You can command Your angels to provide protection from the forces of evil. Psalm 121:7-8 “The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.”

Third step: Remind me as a child of Yours of the many powerful attributes You as my loving father have in directing and watching over me. 1 Chronicles 29:11 “Yours O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all.”

I ask that I would continually see You more clearly and be in pursuit of developing my relationship with You until I ultimately see Jesus face to face. Amen.