Be of Good Cheer by Brother Skip Dunning
Let’s be honest — we could all use a little encouragement these days. The world is heavy with discouragement. But what exactly does encouragement mean? Is it just telling someone their hair looks nice or that they’ve got a good smile? It can be that — but it’s much deeper. Encouragement means to exhort, to comfort, to help. It’s lending a steady hand when someone’s about to fall. It’s seeking out the discouraged and lifting their spirits. And it doesn’t take much to either lift someone up or drag them down. Sometimes a harsh word or even a cold glance can be enough to discourage a heart.
The world tries to offer encouragement through fleeting things — trophies, titles, applause. But those things fade. True, lasting encouragement comes from God and His Word.
Jesus was the master encourager.
One of my favorite things He said was “Be of good cheer.” He spoke these words to His disciples more than once. One powerful moment is found in Matthew 14:22-33.
“But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
(Matthew 14:24-27 KJV)
Can you imagine? In the darkest part of the night, in the middle of a raging storm, Jesus shows up and says, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”
And what happens next is just like us. Peter steps out in faith but gets distracted by the wind and the waves.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him.”
(Matthew 14:30-31 KJV)
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can weather any storm. When we take our eyes off Him and focus on the troubles around us, we begin to sink. But praise God — when we cry out, “Lord, save me,” He reaches out immediately.
Encouragement from God is more than calming storms.
Look at Matthew 9:2:
“And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.”
Before healing the man’s body, Jesus healed his soul. Our greatest encouragement comes from knowing that our sins are forgiven.
Later, in one of His final conversations with the disciples, Jesus offers these words:
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33 KJV)
Yes, trials will come — but Jesus has already won the victory.
So how can we be encouragers like Christ?
Share the love of Christ with others.
The Bible tells us:
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
(Matthew 24:14 KJV)
And,
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
(Matthew 5:16 KJV)
People need to see Christ in us — in our words, actions, and attitudes.
Be friendly, even to those you struggle with.
Avoiding people is easy, but we are called to love everyone. Look at what Paul says:
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:14 KJV)
It doesn’t say some men. It says all.
Pray for one another.
The Bible says:
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
(James 5:16 KJV)
There’s no greater encouragement than knowing someone is praying for you.
And through it all, we can cling to this promise:
“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”
(Psalm 118:6 KJV)
Be encouraged today. Encourage someone else. Offer a smile, a kind word, or a prayer. We might not be able to remove someone’s storm, but we can remind them of the One who walks on water.
Jesus will never forsake you. Be of good cheer!
Be of Good Cheer
