Bible Reading: Judges 6:1-40
The Israelites had been abandoned God and God had allowed other nations to overtake the Israelites and drive them into poverty.
Gideon, the judge and leader of Israel at that time, was discouraged. He felt that God had deserted him and the Israelites. While Gideon was sitting alone under an oak tree, God sent his angel to visit Gideon and deliver a message of encouragement, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12). God wanted Gideon to be reassured that God was in fact with him and always had been with him.
When the angel left him, the LORD himself appeared to Gideon. After spending some time alone with God, Gideon was again encouraged and strengthened. He was ready to go on serving and obeying God.
Are you feeling discouraged? God wants to spend time with you encouraging and strengthening you just as he did for Gideon. Take you Bible, go to a quiet place, and pray. Read the rest of Gideon’s story in Judges 6 and any other scriptures that you choose. Allow God to come to you and comfort, strengthen, and encourage you.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for always being there for me. Thank You for the encouragement You give me through Your word and through other people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.