“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), Comfort and encourage your hearts and strengthen them [make them steadfast and keep them unswerving] in every good work and word.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
In this chapter of Scripture, Paul addresses the fears of believers who thought they were experiencing the Great Tribulation and had missed the Rapture (when Christ takes believers from the earth to be with Him). The believers needed to be encouraged with the truth that they hadn’t missed the Rapture. Also, they needed the reminder to share the gospel of grace with the unbelieving world. We need the same encouragement!
In this passage, the word encourages means “to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix, to strengthen, make firm, to render constant, confirm, one’s mind.” [i] We have this encouragement because of Christ and His steadfast love. In Him, we have well-founded and eternal comfort, hope, and strength to endure the difficulties in life.
The Word of God is our anchor, providing not just stability and comfort, but also strength -amid a confusing and chaotic world. When we feel off-kilter or out of sorts, we need reminding of what is true so we aren’t taken in by lies that cause doubt and fear. These verses remind us that our Savior, Jesus Christ, loves us, and we have comfort and strength in Him. Our hope is well-founded in Him because we have proof of His everlasting love.
We need this gracious encouragement to remain firm and committed to doing the work Christ assigned us, such as spreading the gospel, showing love and compassion to others, and living a life that reflects His teachings until He takes us home to be with Him. So, until He comes or takes us home, may you remain in the Word to be strengthened and encouraged to stay steadfast.
A Touch of Grace:
What discourages you?
What encourages you?
Grace Application:
Has life been a little chaotic for you? Umm…crazy may be an understatement with all that’s happening worldwide. In my own life, being busy is an understatement. Sometimes, I get so busy that life becomes unbalanced – you know what I mean. When this happens, I often become discouraged. But that’s why I turn to the Bible for encouragement, wisdom, and rest for my weary, worn-out mind. I also tell those close to me that I need encouragement.
We all need encouragement when life makes us feel unstable and out of sorts. Where we turn for it is crucial. If we seek stability in what the world offers, we may find ourselves confused and conflicted. God’s Word anchors our soul to Christ, who has given us everlasting comfort and secured our hope with His steadfast love. ‘Steadfast’ here means unwavering and consistent. When we live with the steady courage that Scripture gives us, we have the strength to do the work He gives us and speak words of truth that encourage others to continue to live for Him. Today, who can you encourage to remain steady in their faith?
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the precious name of Jesus, thankful that You are my consolation and encouragement. Your Word reminds me of Your steadfast love. Please help me to encourage others to remember that Jesus is the anchor of our souls. As the world continues to be chaotic and unstable, help me remain faithful to do the work You planned for me. Please help me to speak gracious words that encourage weary hearts. May I remain steadfast until we are gathered together in heaven. Amen.
[i] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G4741&t=NASB
**Today, as you read this, I pray you will know you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please seek God so all doubt may be erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**