I don’t know about you, but sometimes it feels like the world has been running on fumes lately. Everywhere you turn, there’s bad news, heavy headlines, and hard days. It’s easy to get discouraged — and even easier to stay that way.

But God’s Word reminds us that we have the power to change that atmosphere — with just one word of encouragement.

Think about it: one kind word, one text, one moment of grace can completely turn someone’s day (or even their life!) around. You never know what battle someone is fighting behind that smile. And your words could be the spark that reignites their hope.

Job’s friends didn’t get that memo. When he was suffering, they blamed him for his pain. And Job finally said, “What miserable comforters you are!” (Job 16:2). Ouch. Then he added something beautiful: “If it were me, I would encourage you. I would speak words of life.”

That’s it. That’s the kind of person I want to be — someone who builds others up, who reminds people that God is still for them, still with them, still working in their story.

Because as Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily.” Not occasionally. Not when you feel like it. Daily. Why? Because the world’s negativity doesn’t take a day off — so neither should our encouragement!

And let’s be honest — sometimes the person who needs the most encouragement… is you.

I love the story of David in 1 Samuel 30. His life had just fallen apart — his home burned down, his people taken, his own men ready to turn on him. And Scripture says, “David found strength in the Lord his God.” The Hebrew word for “found strength” is chazaq (say it like “ha-zahk!”). It means to encourage yourself, to tell yourself to be strong.

David literally preached to himself.
He reminded his heart of who God is — good, faithful, powerful, and present.
He talked himself back into hope.

And maybe that’s exactly what we need to do, too.

When the negative voices get loud — both in your head and in the world — it’s time to preach to yourself.
Tell your soul what’s true:

“God is my provider.”
“God is my protector.”
“No weapon formed against me will prosper.”
“The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

You might just find your chazaq coming back.

So today, if you think something kind — say it.
If you think something loving — show it.
If you think something encouraging — express it.

Let’s be people who speak life into a weary world.
Because when we lift others, God lifts us too.