There is so much in the press at the moment about speaking appreciation and saying kind words. Sadly these will fade, but there is one in heaven who’s encouragement will never fade or diminish.
God not only knows when we need help he knows how to send help.
God at the right time sends Jonathan to encourage David. What he says is insightful and helpful to us as we encourage others.
And Jonathan, Saul’s son, rose and went to David at Horesh, and strengthened his hand in God. 1 Samuel 23:16
Jonathan’s encouragement was not a rub of the back or a ruffle of the hair of David but he strengthened him in God. Meaning his faith in God was strengthened by Jonathan’s words.
Jonathan’s encouragement is to point David to God and his promises.
As far as I can see there are different aspects to these encouragements that we can learn from.
Jonathan appeals to David to not be overcome by fear (vs17). He knew that David was likely to be fearful, that his circumstances were hard. Also he knew that fear would rob David of faith but also that faith casts out all fear. So in the form of encouragement he states the facts as a friend should. “Watch out for this emotion David”, he was not afraid to point out the area of weakness.
Jonathan then gives David assurance, “the hand of Saul my Father will not find you” (vs17). David had been rescued from Saul before but doubts had crept in, will this continue? Sometimes it’s just the fact that there seems to be no end to the battle that causes our head to drop. Jonathan lifts David’s head. Paul said this to the church in Corinth
He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. 2 Corinthians 1:10
We just need friends at times to tell us that!
Jonathan points David to the future. “You shall be king over Israel and I shall be next to you”. (vs 17) Sometimes it’s hard to see beyond the trial and we need someone who will see for us and keep telling us. Paul again
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
Speak encouragement about what God has said, say it repeatedly and in as many ways as we can.
This may be me stretching it but let’s give it a go. Jonathan speaks to David reassurance that there is an enemy and he will be defeated.
Ok it’s stretching the point, but sometimes in the midst of challenges and trials we forget or fail to see the work of the enemy. Jonathan tells David “my father knows that you will be king” (vs17). So our enemy is nasty and feeds on our vulnerabilities and weaknesses but he is a defeated enemy and we all need encouragement to see the enemy in plain sight and to know he cannot win. Paul wrote this to the church in Rome.
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Romans 16:20
Jonathan renews his friendship with David. A friendship pact.
And the two of them made a covenant before the LORD. David remained at Horesh, and Jonathan went home. 1 Samuel 23:18
A covenant is a binding oath. Jonathan made this promise to David before God. For Jonathan this friendship to David would cost him his kingship, and eventually he would lay down his life for David.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Let me finish with this
Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22: 30-31
Please this week spend some time practically strengthening your brothers.
We do need to keep encouraging each other. On this note, Proverbs 27:17 comes to my mind: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
Whether or not it hits close to home, there’s been an unprecedented deluge of discouragement, despair, anxieties, concerns, joblessness, hunger (for many families who rely heavily on day-to-day ventures and petty trading to earn a living in developing countries) and so many negatives globally amongst many. On the flip side, there could be those who are cashing in on the pandemic via reduced major stocks, handling of mega donations, disbursement of national emergency budgets, et cetera and are oblivious to the plight of others.
Isaiah 3 may not be an acute representation of the status quo, but v10 therein reminds of us of God’s unfailing and covenant provision and solace to those who believe in Him and in His name. Yes, in the midst of chaos, tribulations and judgement, the righteous (those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose) can be rest assured that it is WELL and there is a good reward for their deed(s). Most certainly, our encouragement ought to be found in Him our El Shaddai.
Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
God bless/keep you.