< Back

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. Proverbs 12:25 NIV

Read: Proverbs 12:25

Listen: Proverbs 12

TODAY’S MESSAGE

David has a good reason to be anxious. He’s running for his life from Saul, the first King of Israel. David is more popular and appears to have God’s blessing, which makes Saul furious! Saul has blatantly disobeyed God. As a result, God removes his blessing and anoints David to be the next king. Saul’s short reign will end and his oldest son, Jonathan, will never be king. So Saul sets off to find and kill David first.

David has been running for fifteen years, hiding in caves and always just one step ahead of Saul. He’s tired and exhausted. Then Jonathan comes to him in the wilderness and says, “Don’t be afraid. My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you” (1 Samuel 3:15-18). This uplifting word from his friend Jonathan is just what David needs not to give up.

Jonathan models to us the heart attitude behind uplifting words. In humility, he offers truth and encouragement to the man chosen over him by God to be king. By saying the right thing at the right time, he helps David find the strength and courage he needs.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Someone needs your encouragement today. Pray and ask God to inspire you with who it is. Take the time to write a note, send an email or make a phone call. Ask God for the right words to bless and uplift them.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.