encouraging words

Three Ways God Brightens Our Days

February 11, 2026Jeannie Waters24 Comments

Three Ways God Brightens Our Days by Jeannie Waters

One bright spot of color changed my view of the landscape. I warmed my hands with a mug of coffee and gazed out the kitchen window. Under a sunless sky, bare tree branches and the straw-like grass, pressed low by winter’s cold, mimicked a brown-toned painting.

The scene echoed the cheerlessness of my struggling emotions.

Then a fluttering burst of red swooped into the dullness and changed my view from bland to bright. A red cardinal landed in the grass and bobbed for seeds. Another cardinal joined the scavenger hunt, followed by a blue jay. I thanked God for three spots of bright color that changed my perspective.

The birds provided a striking contrast against the bland palette of my yard. Their splashes of color reminded me of how God brightens our gray days when dismal outlooks threaten to capture our thinking. Days when clouds seem to obscure our view of God. Days when challenges hide blessings. Those days when everything goes wrong.

I thought of three ways God helps us on those days.

First, His blessings.

God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. A brave pansy blooming in February. A child’s giggle. A note from a friend.

Father, help me notice all you bring into my life to focus my heart on you.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 ESV
God often sends splashes of blessings to grab our attention and remind us of His presence in a world that can be bleak. Share on X

Second, His people.

God sometimes sends an attentive believer who notices a need. He may urge us to visit a friend who needs a kind word or deed. Conversely, He may whisper to a friend’s heart to share an encouraging word with us, to meet a need we have, or to simply listen.

Father, thank you for the gift of friendship. When I’m having a challenging day, would you send a friend to encourage me? And when my friends are discouraged, nudge me to be an encouragement to them. I’m listening.

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Finally, His Word.

God uses the Bible, His letter to us, to remind us of His character and His promises. To strengthen our walk with Him. To transform us. When we read the Bible regularly, the Holy Spirit brings truths to mind. Our Father guides and encourages us through His Word.

Transform my heart, Lord, as I read Your Word.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 ESV

Your Turn

How has God brightened your days? Please share to encourage all of us.

Share a Little Fall Cheer

October 16, 2019Jeannie Waters14 Comments

Do you sometimes abandon efficiency and choose the scenic route? I do. While running errands, I drive out of my way to visit my favorite fall site—a street in our town that is lined with gingko trees.

When the temperature cools, the green fan-shaped gingko leaves transform into brilliant splashes of yellow. When the leaves fall, the sidewalk looks like sunshine pooled on the earth, and it makes me happy.

Think about the color palette God chooses for fall decorating. Red maple leaves, orange pumpkins, golden chrysanthemums, brown chestnuts, and more. They’re all pretty, but the yellow of the gingko trees is my favorite.

Some homeowners add yellow accessories throughout the year to brighten living spaces. Touches of this pretty color add a feeling of warmth and welcome. Wouldn’t you agree that yellow is cheery? And who doesn’t need a bit of mirth in their lives?

Consider some of cheer’s synonyms that can mean more than simply a merry feeling: gladness, joy, delight, comfort, and encouragement. ¹ Visual beauty can offer a measure of happiness, but, as the Bible teaches, our hearts need deep joy, peace, and cheer.

Even while imprisoned, the apostle Paul demonstrated the importance of caring for the hearts of other people. With concern for his worried friends, he sent Tychicus to encourage them (Ephesians 6:21-22, Colossians 4:7-8).

So too, Jesus wanted his disciples, and us, to have courage and comfort in difficult situations. Three of the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, and John—record how Jesus calmed the fears of His disciples during a storm at sea.

Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27

Some Bible translations use the phrase “take courage” rather than “be of good cheer,” but we know that Jesus provides peace and encouragement to troubled souls.

When preparing followers for His impending death and resurrection, Jesus said,

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.
John 16:33

As gingko trees bring sunshine to the surrounding area, we can share cheer with others from the well of joy and comfort Jesus supplies for us. Let’s share some ideas for doing just that.

Practical Ways to Spread Cheer

Write short Bible verses on a pumpkin to be given away.
Choose bookmarks with Bible verses to share with freshly baked oatmeal cookies (homemade or bakery version). Tie the bag with a fall-colored ribbon.
Offer to pray with someone who shares a concern.
Make a greeting card with a pretty fall picture and add encouraging words.
Take time to visit someone who needs a listening ear or fellowship. (Weather changes make good conversation starters.)

Acts of Kindness

Take an elderly person who can’t drive for a ride to view autumn’s beauty and then, share a cup of hot apple cider.
Contact a local ministry to purchase a Thanksgiving meal for someone.
Rake a neighbor’s yard as a surprise blessing.
Offer to help a widow winter proof her home.
Invite neighbors to watch a Saturday football game and attend church with you on Sunday if they don’t have a church of their own. Fire up the grill or serve chili dogs.

Meaningful Gifts

Donate warm socks to a homeless shelter.
Purchase a gift card for a pumpkin latte or cup of cocoa as a “thinking of you” gift.
Bake small loaves of apple or pumpkin bread to share.
Take a pot of mums to someone recovering from surgery.
Share a basket of delicious fall apples or place an apple on each co-worker’s desk. Add a card with the following verse:

Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings.
Psalm 17:8

Let’s brighten someone’s fall day by sharing a little cheer, shall we?

I hope you’ll contribute an idea to the comment section below to add to our “share a little fall cheer” lists.

All Scripture verses are taken from the NKJV.

¹https://www.thesaurus.com/

A Young Patriot’s Encouraging Words

July 3, 2018Jeannie Waters6 Comments

Early one Fourth of July morning, my dad answered the phone to hear a cheery young caller shout, “Happy Fourth of July!”

“Happy Fourth of July to you, but I think you have the wrong number, ” Daddy replied.

“No, I don’t have the wrong number,” the youngster answered. She continued, “I just wanted to wish someone a happy Fourth of July.”

My dad loved children and was delighted by this surprise call. At our family Independence Day celebration the following year, he announced, “I wish my little Fourth of July friend would call this year.”

The words of a young child, who had randomly selected a telephone number, blessed my father. A patriot, World War II veteran, and educator, he appreciated her enthusiastic expression of joy and patriotism.

Sometimes, it’s easy to encourage other people by simply using our words.

Currently, discouraging words about our country pour into our homes as powerfully and consistently as lava flows from an active volcano. Violent reactions and disrespectful verbiage fill television screens. Some burn flags, some refuse to stand for the national anthem, and some issue rhetoric that reflects lack of pride for this great country.

Are we a perfect nation? Not by a long shot. Are there problems and woes? Yes, there are, as in all countries around the globe. Is there still work to be done to negotiate freedom and protection? Of course, there is, but will we refuse to honor the very land we call home because she has flaws?

Will we exchange patriotism for disdain? Will we refuse to uphold our nation’s underpinnings and to show pride when her flag flies high? Will we ignore the good because serious problems exist?

Americans have a Constitutional right to express their opinions. Can we not share our viewpoints without spewing hateful, derogatory words about people who disagree? Must we label groups negatively because we have opposing stances? Can we not stand up for what we believe and express our ideas without lowering patriotic standards and viciously attacking others?

As we celebrate Independence Day, what encouraging words can we share about the United States of America? How can we foster patriotism and respectful expression of opinion?

Speaking of words, will you join me in more fervently praying for our nation and her leaders?

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

–2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV