Be deeply encouraged.

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Tribulation is defined as a pressing, pressing together, pressure. It also means to crowd. In other places in the New Testament, you’ll find other words used such as afflictions, afflicted, trouble, anguish, burdened and persecutions. All of these words mean the same thing—tribulation. In our day, it simply means we’re “going through” in varying degrees. Have you ever asked someone how they’re doing? If they’re honest they may say, “Girl, I’m going through. So much is happening in my life. I’m going through on my job. I’m going through in my marriage. I’m going through with my teenagers and in my finances.” When we hear this we know exactly what they mean, because every single one of us are going through something! But I believe the thing God wants us to focus on is even though we all are going through, our position should be to be of good cheer. Now, I know you’re probably thinking, “Nothing about my situation makes me happy or cheerful!”

But what does the Bible mean by “good cheer”? The word cheer in this text simply means to have courage or to be deeply encouraged. Where else do we see Jesus saying “be of good cheer”? We find Him telling the man sick of the palsy and lying in his bed, “Be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven”. Then He told him to take up his bed and walk (see Matthew 9:2). We also find Him telling the disciples when He came walking on the sea during a storm, “Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid” (see Matthew 14:27). Another instance was while comforting the apostle Paul. It says the Lord stood by Him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul” (see Acts 23:11).

Focusing on what you’re going through can make you not want to do anything pertaining to God. You’ll stop wanting to read your Bible, pray or go to church. I’ve been there. Instead, let’s take courage! Don’t stop doing all of the things you know you need to be doing. Don’t put down your sword and don’t lay down your shield. Be encouraged, my sister, Jesus has overcome the world! You will overcome too!

Prayer: Father God, I receive your words in my heart. Help me understand this truth more deeply. Help me Lord to take courage. Help me not to lay down my sword or my shield. Help me Lord to focus not on what I’m going through, but the truth of your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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20 thoughts on “Be deeply encouraged.”

  1. Thank you DOTK. God speaks to me everyday through your devotionals. May God continue to bless your ministry and you. Thank you Jesus for this blessing. Thank you for always knowing exactly what I need to soothe my soul and show me that You are always with me especially the times when I need you the most .

  2. Thank you God for allowing me to keep on walking and trusting and your word daily and my life continue to show me and teach me and Jesus name Amen

      1. Peace & Blessings Sister Michelle💖!!
        Congratulations on your New Christian Journey/Walk!!!
        Stay focused on The Lord..don’t let ANYBODY turn you around!
        Be Blessed, Stay Humble & Encouraged!!!
        Love Your DOTK Sister In Christ💕

      2. Well sister. Glad to hear you’ve begun your journey. Isn’t it wonderful that even though you are beginning to know God and His will for you; that He has known you before the world was even formed!
        Best love you will ever know.

  3. Thank you father help me to overcome the things that distracts me to prevent me from sinking more of you , your word and my time of prayer with you father, cover your precious people with the blood of Jesus and give us the strength to overcome the snares of the enemy in Jesus name amen.❤

  4. Yes Oh Lord. You are our very present help in times of trouble. Help us Father to keep our armor firmly in place, knowing You have gone before us and behind us so that NOTHING can be against us. Please care for and bless all of my DOTK sisters with peace, strength and courage to stand, and when we have done everything to stand, to STAND!! AMEN and AMEN. Thank you Lord💜

    1. Peace & Blessings My Dearest Sister Lynne💖!!
      Amen..Amen..AMEN!!!
      Yes Lord, when we’ve done ALL we can do..
      help us to..STAND..STAND..STAND!!!
      Love You Always💕

    2. Thank you Lynne

      I just happened to think that I needed my shield more than my sword today. So thank you for your prayers for us.
      It’s just what I needed today.

  5. Thank you Father for your faith building words. Forgive me when i get discouraged for you are with me always. I am of good cheer for you have plans of good for me. I love you Father Son and Holy Spirit

  6. Sisters, I am asking for prayer. My health is in a mess due to emotional and psychological abuse from husband. I’ve laid out an ultimatum and he confessed last night that he fits the profile of an abuser. We need Jesus to intervene!!
    Thank you.

    1. I’m there myself here is a book that has blessed me greatly and brought back hope. The Power of a PRAYING Wife by Stormie Omartian

      1. Peace & Blessings Sister Alisa💖!!
        I stand in Agreement & Prayer with Sister Lynne on your behalf Sister Alisa..
        Jesus WILL make a way out of no way!
        Talk to the Lord, He already knows..He’s just waiting on YOU!!
        Be Blessed, Stay Humble & As This Devotional States..ENCOURAGED!!!
        Love Always Your DOTK Sister💕

  7. Thank you for explaining what being of good cheer is. To be encouraged. It will make me react differently when I’m going through. Praise God for His living word

  8. Amen..Amen..Amen..My
    Soul Cries Out AMEN & THANK YOU JESUS..THANK YOU JESUS..THANK YOU JESUS..THANK YOU!!!
    Lord, I Love You soooo much & I’m soooo Overjoyed, Grateful, Humbled & Thankful that I AM..A DAUGHTER OF THE KING!!! Lord, help to NEVER, EVER lay down my sword & shield AGAIN!! I’ve been there & done that & no-one suffered except ME! While those that hurt me “in the church” were STILL going & getting their joy, I was home sulking..nursing hurt feelings..missing out on MY BLESSINGS! Until my Mom’s constant words FINALLY hit me..”You’re missing out, not them, they’re STILL coming & having a GOOD TIME! Don’t let ANYBODY steal your joy”..after MANY years of only making “quick appearances”..& my life being in turmoil..I KNEW I needed to come back home..I had plenty of Faith..but Faith without works is dead..I needed to get back home, pick up my shield & sword & get on the battlefield for the Lord!! Thank You Lord for accepting me back! Some don’t make it back! Lord, THANK YOU!!!
    Lord, Please Continue To Bless & Shine Your Light Of Love Upon Your Obedient Servant Sister Kesha, Her Awesome Team, This Amazing Ministry & My DOTK Sisters/Family💖!!
    Be Blessed, Stay Humble & Encouraged!!!
    Love Always, Your DOTK Sister In Christ, Wendy💕

  9. Thank u ALL for ur encouragement. I’m going through it in my marriage but I will never give up HOPE. I will never put down my Shield or Sword to fight this battle. I’m a,Warrior with christ who’s fight my battle. Never give up or give in.I will stand as long as GOD is on my side because I know he will bring me through no matter how it turns iut. I believe God has my best interest at heart ALWAYS.AMEN

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