Here’s Where to Look for Encouragement
By Rick Warren
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.” Romans 15:4 (NIV)
Are you feeling down? Do you need a mood elevator?
Put down the chocolate. Don’t have a pity party. Pick up your Bible instead. When you’re discouraged, you don’t need a coffee break. You need a Word break!
God gave us the Bible to encourage us. One way you can think of the Bible is as a mood elevator.
The Bible says in Romans 15:4, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (NIV).
Take a closer look at that verse. Four words stand out to me: “everything,” “Scriptures,” “encouragement,” and “hope.” What does that mean? Everything in the Scriptures is for your encouragement and hope.
That’s a big statement—but it’s true! Even the tough parts of God’s Word ultimately are there to encourage your life in the right direction.
That’s why you need to spend time alone with God every single day. No matter what you call it—daily devotional, quiet time, Bible study—you need to get alone with God, read his Word, and talk to him.
The Bible says in Psalm 119:114, “You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me” (MSG).
If you’re discouraged and have lost hope, I can tell you one thing that is probably true, without ever meeting you: You need to spend time in God’s Word. The more you read God’s Word when you’re down, the more he lifts you up. No matter how you’re feeling, you need to read God's Word. It is essential to your life!
So the next time you feel discouraged, don’t come home and turn on the television. Instead, open your Bible and read it.
God’s Word will give you true encouragement and hope, because it has God’s power in it. It is the only thing that has power to change your life!
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Be Encouraged Each Day to Live Out God’s Purposes
As thanks for your gift below to help share the gospel with more people around the world through Daily Hope, we’ll send you Pastor Rick’s new book, Daily Hope Devotional: 365 Days of Purpose, Peace, and Promise.
Each devotional starts out with a Bible verse, followed by teaching that explains God’s Word and shows you how to apply it daily so you can face any challenge and live the life you were created to live.
As a special bonus when you give, we’ll also send you What's Driving Your Life?: A 10-Day Turnaround for a Fresh Start. Featuring 10 hand-picked devotions from Pastor Rick’s new book, they’ll guide anyone feeling stressed, worried, or discouraged toward seeking God for a fresh start.
Request your copy below when you give—and take the first step towards a year of real purpose, lasting peace, and unfailing promises.
Thank you for your partnership!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
