I love to encourage others. To instill a passion back into those that have grown weary along the journey of life. To help them see their worth and value to God, themselves, their families, and their friends. To be a voice of truth among the noise of this world and the distractions of the heart. There are countless people discouraged today and my heart literally breaks for each one as it longs for them to walk in a freedom that only God can give.

When I reach out to extend a hand and to offer encouragement, there are times I am doing so from a place of exhaustion. This week has been a time like that for me. My heart has been heavy. My soul has been weary. I have given from every ounce of who I am and have nothing left to give. I am empty.

Have you ever wondered, as I have this week, who encourages the encourager? Who helps to fill the one that is poured out? I know the typical churchy response to those questions would be, “All you need is Jesus.” Really?

From the very beginning of creation, we see that man was created for the purpose of relationships: man with God and man with others. Do we need God? Absolutely. Is Jesus all we need to be made in right standing with God? Absolutely. Is the Spirit of God more than enough for our soul to be quenched and drenched with the love of God? Absolutely. But God also designed this whole human existence as a family, a community. We are not supposed to go through life alone.

With the onslaught of technology, you would think that we are becoming more connected with the availability of so many tools at our fingertips. Sadly, the truth is, we have more gadgets but are becoming even more disconnected. We need each other. God created us that way.

My prayer is that God show you the ones who are invisible, overlooked, under-appreciated, or weary. That He give you His healing words of encouragement and love to pour over their hearts, and the boldness to move out of your comfort zone to welcome and embrace them as family. Everyone needs encouragement and everyone can offer encouragement to someone.

Many times we don’t know the pain someone is experiencing or the troubled times they are facing because on the outside all appears to be going well. That guy sitting beside you on the bus might be going through one of the most difficult times he has ever faced, and you could be the one God uses to bring hope. That girl you walked by at church might be carrying an unbearable load that has her weighed down and weary, and you could be the one God uses to bring her freedom.

Who needs encouragement today in your life? Ask God to show you and then extend that life-giving encouragement to them!  What you have to offer is life abundant to their weary soul.  Don’t put it off.