Abraham Lincoln tops the polls as the most popular US president of all time. His troubled presidency came at the culmination of a lifelong struggle with depression, a nervous breakdown, and neighbors who were known to set suicide watches over him in his youth.

So how did he do it? The night he was assassinated, Lincoln’s pockets were stuffed with newspaper clippings that praised him, his leadership, and the positive impact he was having.

We all need encouragement. The author of Hebrews says in 10:23–25, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Imagine what could happen if we were able to live up to that in our homes, churches, and communities?

Don’t go it alone. Hebrews 10:25 warns us not to give up meeting together. Jesus didn’t go it alone. He gathered a group of people to share life and ministry with, and He asked His closest friends to watch and pray with Him when He needed it most. If Jesus sought out that kind of support, we should as well!

Let’s be intentional about encouraging one another as we walk this journey together, so no one has to go it alone.

Excerpted from Words Matter, by Jenny Rae Armstrong © Our Daily Bread Ministries.
Read more at https://discoveryseries.org/courses/words-matter/.

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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