We have all been there at one time or another and to varying degrees. It happens in leadership and in life.

As children, it usually doesn’t take much to get us discouraged or down in our spirit. We didn’t get the pony for our birthday, or our best friend didn’t attend the party. We may have missed the goal kick that might have won the game.

We usually get over those minor setbacks pretty quickly. Our mom or dad may have patted us on the back and said, “Don’t worry, it’s okay.”

When we get older and take on leadership responsibilities, things get more complicated. Financial challenges consume our thoughts, and personnel problems keep us up at night. And it is rare if there is someone to figuratively pat you on the back and tell you all is okay.

The Psalmist certainly experienced his moments of discouragement, some brought on by others and sometimes of his own doing. He wrote:

Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?

But the Psalmist knew the remedy for such discouragement.

I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:5 NLT

The writers of the Lead Like Jesus devotionals discuss discouragement and encouragement. They ask what kind of words encourage you and what types of comments work to guide you back on the positive path. The encouragement of friends ranks high during discouraging times.

“When we hear trusted friends and associates verbalize their faith in us, those words continue to ring deeply in the well of our souls.”

The question that comes to me goes beyond “Who has encouraged you?” It goes a step further. “Who have you encouraged this week?” Is there someone you know who has been struggling? Is there something you can say to lift their spirits?

The Apostle Paul was good at encouraging others. All throughout his writings, we see him thanking and uplifting others. In fact, in Romans 16, Paul starts naming people as a way of commending them and giving them a word of encouragement. He starts with his friend Phoebe, and by the time he finishes writing, Paul has named thirty-four people as a way to commend and encourage them. Amazing.

So, who have you encouraged this past week? Are there those around you who are discouraged or downcast? Is there something you can say or do to let them know they are loved and valued?

Remind them that our value is not determined by what we do, but by the One who rules our lives. We can say with the Psalmist,

“Our hope is in the Lord.”

God’s best,