Combat the Funk Spiral with Encouragement

Today I was reminded of a serious mistake I made. I make a lot of mistakes but this one stands out because I truly didn’t realize the magnitude of it at the time. This mistake offended some people I deeply care about and left them with the impression that I was angry with them. It happened early in the year and where they have brought up the subject or the effects have come to my attention, I have tried very hard to express my apologies and convey my sincere appreciation for them as friends. I consider these friends to be spiritual “family” so to know that I had inadvertently “hurt” them was genuinely a heart-break. Even though amends have been made, forgiveness extended and time has passed, I still feel bad when I think about the discouragement I had sown. It is a sad memory.

Now, I didn’t go into a quagmire of depression after being reminded of this. I felt embarrassed, of course, but I “own” that this is something that I did do and must continue to work at not repeating the same mistake.

Yet, I could “feel” a funk spiral coming on. I asked for a perspective check from a friend and they did do a bit of encouragement. Which was good. As I sat at my desk later though, looking at all the not easy situations on my “to do” list, I prayed for the Lord to bring some encouragement and wisdom. Then I tackled my to do list and literally lost track of time writing letters and articles … editing letters and articles … and making phone calls.

Then at 4:15 pm I got the most amazing email. It was two paragraphs of ten sentences worth of encouragement. It was from a man I have known for 14 years but only talk to about once a month … if that. I sat there and literally caught my breath as I realized my Heavenly Father had heard my prayer earlier in the day. In that email, sentence after sentence, written by this man I dearly respect, was *exactly* what I needed to hear at this exact moment concerning this exact situation.

This man didn’t know what I was going through. As of this post, I haven’t even responded to his email (I wanted to meditate on it for a little while.) But the Lord knew and I am so grateful He cares about *every* detail of our lives. And because God is a relational God, He inspires friends to bless friends in a way that blesses both and is undeniably an answer to prayer.

The mistake didn’t disappear. The effects are still being walked out. I have to admit my pride still embarrasses me. Regardless, the Lord heard my prayer and kept me in His way of peace. Through this friend, God touched a place in my heart that I didn’t even realize needed blessing. It felt like a ton of bricks slid off my shoulders … and I didn’t even know I was carrying them around.

::: grateful :::

So, my encouragement to you is 1) to pray that God would minister to you and 2) that God would use you to encourage someone else. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal someone to you and how He would have you encourage them. 3) Take the time to fully and honestly express the encouragement. For example “Love ya’ man!” is awesome encouragement but taking the time to explain your love and respect makes it all the better … and then 4) simply … do it :).

It’s never a wrong time to send a selfless bit of encouragement to anyone whether you know they need it or not. Even if you yourself are in a “Funk Spiral” sometimes the best way to combat it is to selflessly bless someone else. It’s hard to do when you are all funky but … give it a try.

Have a good day today.

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