"So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep doing it."  {1 Thessalonians 5:11}  MSG

Think about a time in your life when you felt alone, venerable, or fearful. Did you know that there was hope and strength available for you at any moment?  You probably weren't sure of help at the moment, no matter how many Bible verses you had memorized. We all can get overwhelmed with lies when we are caught at an awkward moment.

I was anxious recently coming home from a visit with my sister in North Carolina. My allergies had my head feeling like a a lead bowling ball and all I wanted to do was curl up somewhere safe and cool and take a nap. None of these options were possible and what I had to do was quite the opposite.  I had to get on a plane and go home to New York. I was scared that my head would burst under the pressure.

I prayed the entire trip, and God met me as He so often has. I arrived with my head feeling cloggy, but in one piece. Our verse for today is so important in regard to encouragement. My husband had been praying and encouraging me as He is in the habit of doing. Hope is an all-consuming truth for a Christian! Prayer is an all-consuming spiritual habit! It removes us from the everyday, mundane life of this world, and brings us higher, above the blindspots in our way. Physical pain can be a road block for me seeing God's truth.

I am on the road of learning to trust God even in physical pain. I love that 1 Thessalonians speaks about everyone included. "Encourage one another and build each other up. {1Thessalonians 5:11} In the NKJV. Keep this verse close to your heart. It is so important! How many times I have forgotten, and spoken angry, hurtful words. Help me Lord, and my dear friends reading, to build each other up. Our time with one another is never promised. Live, and speak as if your time is short. Love one another as if you won't see each other for a long time. May this help us to choose our words carefully Amen.