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Who speaks to your spirit when it has no voice,

And sing your praise with a song of melodic choice?

God, this time, selected him to lift your sullen soul

But one day, it may be you to rekindle their heart grown cold

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Abraham Lincoln, our sixteenth president, is esteemed as one of the greatest presidents of America.  According to Wikipedia, he led the United States through its Civil War and in so doing “he preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government, and modernized the economy.”  On the other hand, history tells that he suffered from depression.  The Abraham Lincoln Research site online noted that those in his company noticed that he “could go from a happy state to a gloomy one very quickly.”  Who would have thought such a successful figure, the one who seemed to encourage others – the encourager – could be susceptible to being so melancholy – would need encouragement. According to biography.com, after Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address he asked Frederick Douglas, a prominent black figure, what he thought of his speech because there was no other opinion he admired more.  Douglas replied, “It was a sacred effort.”  To which Lincoln said, “Thank you.”  The president needed to be encouraged even though he was perceived to be the one who usually encouraged others.  Someone needed to encourage the encourager.

You may think that because you have it all together today that “you’re good.”  But that is not necessarily true.  Have you thought of acquiring a mentor or confidante to speak into your life, just the word you need when you are feeling low?  We all need this so do not wait any longer if you have not identified such an individual.  Today you may be the encourager, but tomorrow you may need to be encouraged.

Perhaps you may perceive that someone you admire may not need encouragement.  He or she is normally seen as the encourager.  But this time, you may be the person needed to make their day with just a smile,  a small token, or even the right word.  Do not assume you will not be noticed.  Today you may need to be the encourager.

Even Jesus needed to hear the right word when he was stressed from anticipating His crucifixion.  So He prayed to His father (Luke 22: 42 – 44).  God reassured Him that it was His will for Him, Jesus, to die.

Today that person you admire and think is altogether may be in good spirit and able to strengthen you, but tomorrow you may be the one to do the encouraging.