Have you seen the blurb about hurting people who need encouragement, and how we should create an “intention avalanche” and “send positive thoughts” their way?
It’s absolutely true we all need encouragement — but I’m pretty sure I’m not able to pick up thoughts others may “send” my way. (I’m not good at mind-reading.) Nor do I wish to depend on the power of human intentions, however good they may be.
Why?
Using the “power of intention” and “positive thoughts” as a remedy for difficulty or despair means placing our faith in people instead of in God.
It’s contrary to what we see taught and modeled in the Bible.
Can you imagine the Apostle Paul explaining to the Philippians that he needs their positive thoughts while he is in prison? Can you picture him telling the Ephesians he is working up some power of intention on their behalf? Not so much.
Instead, God repeatedly tells us in His word to:
- pray for one another
- encourage one another
- bear one another’s burdens
- remind one another of His faithfulness, love and power
All of these “one anothers” rest on Jesus Christ as the foundation of our hope. Jesus is the One we look to for mercy in times of need. Jesus’ power carries us through trials. Jesus is able to do miracles.
Jesus is God. We are not.
So if you tell me you are going through a hard time, here’s the good news: I won’t send positive thoughts or intentions. But here’s what I will do.
I will pray for you.
I will call out to Jesus on your behalf — Jesus, the one for whom and by whom andthrough whom all things were made. That Jesus. I’ll bring your situation to Him in prayer because that’s what He asks me to do.
- I’ll use timeless prayers from the Bible, like the ones Paul prayed over various churches, or ones the psalmists penned.
- I’ll ask the Holy Spirit to help me pray for you when I can’t find the words.
Here’s one example of a great verse to pray over others:
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” –Romans 15:13
Now that packs a little more punch than a me sending you a thought, doesn’t it?
So … prayer to God, who made the universe and loves you personally …
…or a vague, human-based sentiment with nice intentions?
You decide which one puts God in His rightful place – and has the real power to help and encourage.