Someone once said that discouragement is Satan’s greatest tool. I tend to believe it’s true. The devil will use any means to keep us from being and doing all we can for Christ and his kingdom.

For many Christians, life is a constant battle against discouragement. The circumstances of life can be disheartening. Comments made by others can lead to dismay. Even our own thoughts can sometimes bring us down.

Encouragement is the answer. Shall I dare say that the Bible encourages us to be encouragers? We all have the obligation to try to lift up the spirits of those around us.

Paul and his travelling companions once visited a synagogue and were invited by the leaders to participate in the worship service. The leaders said, “Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak.” (Acts 13:15b).

Sometimes I get cards or notes with words of encouragement. I always keep them. I put them in what I call my “encouragement file”. Whenever I feel discouraged, I can think of my collection of encouraging words that people have given me over the years. It always helps me to find courage once again.

People file away words of encouragement; if not literally, then figuratively. They mentally hold on to words that lift them up.

Maybe you need to go into your own encouragement file today. Or perhaps you need to add to someone else’s file. If you have a message of encouragement, please speak!