Words of Encouragement for Each Day and FREE Printables

I’ve been collecting words that I want to focus on during the day. They’re words that encourage me in my faith and help me to rise above my present circumstances.

I want to share these words with you, along with what they mean to me.

You can download the free printable subway signs at the end of this post. The printable comes in three different color combos. They print on 8 1/2 x 11 paper and fit an 8 x 10 frame.

Abide

I was blessed a few years ago to be in a Bible study group that went through the book Abiding in Christ by Andrew Murray. The book has a beautiful message about letting go of striving and simply abiding in our Savior’s presence. If you’re feeling weary or looking to have new life breathed into your relationship with Jesus, I highly recommend this book.

This word is at the top of my list because I want to start my day with the knowledge that I do abide in Christ. It’s not something I have to work towards or manufacture; it’s my reality.

Pray

This is a reminder to pray, but not in the “put this on your to-do list” kind of way. This is a reminder that prayer is an avenue that is open to me, that I have access to God every minute of the day, no matter what need or challenge I’m facing. How beautiful it is that at any time, any place, we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (from Hebrews 4:16 NKJV).

Choose Joy

I’ve come to realize in the last few years just how crucial it is to make joy a choice. We might not be able to choose our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond. I’ve found this to be both powerful and freeing. Heaven knows, it isn’t easy. But heaven knows, it is necessary, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (from Nehemiah 8:10 NIV).

I want to keep opportunities for joy on my radar. I want to choose to smile.

 

Keep it Positive

I’ve always been a very positive person, so it has been really hard for me to suddenly fight so much negativity because of my health conditions. For a long time, I felt that my positive attitude was another thing my illnesses have stolen from me, and it really felt like a loss of part of my identity. Then something clicked—I told myself I still am a positive person, it just takes more effort than it used to. I felt like this was a gentle reminder from God that He is holding my identity secure. This phrase reminds me positivity is not only still possible, but still part of who I am and who God made me to be.

Create

I simply love creating. I really believe it is necessary for my soul. Tolkien uses the phrase “sub-creation” to sum up the fact that we are beings made by a Creator, so creating is part of our nature. I often have to remind myself to invest the time and energy to create. When I do, it is so worth it and so rejuvenating.

Celebrate Each Day

This is a reminder that each and every day is a gift. Sometimes it certainly doesn’t feel like this in the midst of struggle, but that feeling doesn’t negate the fact. I use this phrase to remind myself to have my eyes open for reasons to celebrate and give thanks for what God is doing in my life every day.

“This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24 NKJV)

Inspire

This is on my list because of my mom. She told me something that really uplifted me: she told me that I am probably not aware of all the people I inspire and point to God by persevering through my illness. And I was just struck by the idea that by going about our lives, choosing to praise God in the midst of struggles, and speaking His truth and love, we can really have an impact on other people. It doesn’t matter how worn down you are, God can still use you to inspire people.

Love With All Your Heart

No matter what each day brings, we are free to love God and others well. How encouraging, to know that we can follow the greatest commandment:

“‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’

“Jesus replied: ‘“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:36-40 NIV).

Dream

This one of course refers to settling down to rest and dream at night, but it is also a reminder to keep dreaming for good things in my future.

I was recently struck by Psalm 126:1: “When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, We were like those who dream” (NKJV).

What a beautiful way to capture the almost disbelieving joy of the exiles returning home. The Israelites were living as captives in a foreign land, but they believed in freedom. They kept their dreams alive. And those dreams, rooted in trust in the promises of God, came true.

I hope this list is encouraging to you, and that you find a great spot to display this printable so that you are reminded of these truths each day.

Which of these words resonates with you most? What words would you add to the list?

 

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