We All Need a Little Encouragement

During a rare moms’ coffee date with a friend I was bemoaning my life. Parenting was difficult. Marriage was challenging. There was no balance between work and home; it all felt as if the plate was tipping and I couldn’t hold anything steady.

My dear friend listened intently just as a good girlfriend would, and then she asked, “How often are you in God’s word right now?”

“Well,” I replied, taken aback, “not as often as I would like, but some.”

My lovely, God-fearing, truth-telling friend proceeded to remind me that life is difficult, but God is true and steady. She encouraged me to get back into a regular rhythm in prayer and reading so I could be reminded daily of the sovereignty and comfort of our Lord. She pointed me to the truths of scripture to help me remember where to turn when life is pressing.

We all need a little encouragement paired with God’s truth. This is exactly what the apostle Paul gave to new believers. 

​Acts 20:1-2 tells us that Paul traveled from church to church speaking words of encouragement to the followers of Christ. Yet we know that He also admonished, corrected, and guided these new believers to help them stand firm in their faith. 

Regular time in the Bible and gathering in community can provide us with encouragement while also pointing us to God’s truth and character. Our pastor, our small group, and God-loving friends can point us to Him when we feel overwhelmed, when we are grieved, or when we need guidance. 

My small group has been instrumental in helping me on this journey of faith. I value our time in God’s word, their prayer and counsel, and the ability to enjoy life with others who are seeking after Jesus. As the apostle Paul taught, we can “encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11b). One of the greatest blessings God can give to us is a community of believers who care about our walk with Him. 

If you are not connected to a community where you are invited to study God’s word, share your struggles and praises, and walk through this journey with others, I encourage you to seek out this type of community. Rooted Moms offers these groups and would love to help you get connected. Groups like these allow us to be encouraged as well as to encourage others, to have support as we study God’s word, and to share our struggles and experiences with others. We all need encouragement set alongside truth, and we can find that by seeking truth alongside others.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

About the Author

Hello! My name is Lindsay McNeely. I live in Tennessee with my husband and our daughter. Working full-time is both challenging as a mother and rewarding. The challenges cause me to take full advantage of every second with my loving family. On the weekends, we love to grab brunch, explore our little city, or take a short trip together. Time in the Word with other women is my passion and fuel. Join us as we dive deeper in our faith, in God's word, and in community.