And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 1 Samuel 23: 16
Have you ever thought that life is unfair because your boss doesn’t appreciate your hardwork? If so, you should read David’s life story. After devoting all his strength and valor serving in Saul’s army, the king tried to kill him. Not because he did something wrong but because Saul was jealous of his exploits.
If you’ve been through a situation when you gave your best to someone (or something) and in the end you walked away unappreciated, you’ll know how depressing it was for David to find himself running like a fugitive. At one point, he was so afraid of the king of Achicsh that the only way for him to save his neck was to pretend that he was insane.
http://view.picapp.com//JavaScripts/OTIjs.jsThe interesting part of the story happened when David was in hiding. Jonathan came over and helped him find strength in God. What exactly Jonathan did, I do not know but if we try and relate the story to our lives, we might find some clues.
The first thing that came to my mind is the fact that encouraging someone who has been through a lot is not something you can do in five minutes. The verse I quoted above says Jonathan went to Horesh. Where is that? I checked my Bible dictionary, Horesh means forest. Jonathan took the trouble to get out of his comfort zone and hike the mountains just so he can pray for a brother who was in deep trouble. He was willing to exert much effort and get tired in the process, if only to strengthen David spiritually.
The second thing we should notice from this verse is how Jonathan pointed David to God at the time when he needed help. Let this be a lesson for us all. When we try to encourage someone, let us point the person to Christ. Sometimes we think that as we long as we make the person laugh, we already did what we needed to do. Make no mistake. If a person needs a laugh, he could just turn on the TV or go to a comedy bar.
So how about us? When a brother is in trouble, do we even lift a finger to press the buttons of our cellular phones to send him a text message? Are we willing to buy phone credits (load) and place a long distance call to find out if he is okay? Do we even know where that person lives?
Jojo Agot 
5 minute encouragement: "that's alright, everything will be ok, God is in control." Then walk away and not think of this person until you see them again. I'm guilty of it. You're right that it needs to be so much more. Thanks for the insight.
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whoever is not guilty of this?
thanks for dropping by Frank.
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Encouragement is a relationship — and it means little unless there is a relationship. Good post.
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EVERYONE needs encouragement. "I'll pray for you" and "God's in control" are often quick, cover all phrases that just fall flat when someone is truly struggling. This is a great reminder that it takes an investment of our time if we truly want to encourage a friend or loved one who needs it. Turn them to God, yes. But don't just point and run. What a great reminder.
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What a great reminder of the power of friendship and encouragement to touch hearts. Lovely.
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@katdish: Love the point and run part, lol. This is by far the most convenient.
@Glynn and Louise: thanks for dropping by, may this little reminder push us to go beyond our comfort zone.
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We have good intentions so often, but our "busyness" interferes with what is truly the right thing to do. I will say that I try. I do better when I can go to them and sit and work things out than when I just am going to hang out on the phone or computer with them… I become sidetracked too easily, sorry to say.
Jonathan's kindness and serious care for David was something we should all draw into our own lives.
Thanks for the story and prodding us to do what is right.
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Joanne, I agree, there's just something powerful about being physically present when you pray for the person. No technology could ever change that personal touch.
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