There is a verse that says “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Recently I was struggling, and in my futile efforts to control my life, I found myself weary. While I was tempted to look around jealously at those who seemed to have it easier, I paused, and asked God to come be my strength. As I did, a specific friend popped into my head. She’s a beautiful soul, and one who has far more challenging daily requirements for life and health than I ever have. As I held my feelings of exhaustion, hopelessness, and frustration, I decided to reach out. 

“How do you do it? How do you keep going when you just have nothing left to give?”

The moment I saw her begin typing a response, my eyes welled with tears; suddenly I knew I wasn’t carrying the weight of this moment alone. As I began reading her reply, tears rolled down my cheeks. 

“These struggles are not your fault. I see how hard you try, and I’m so sorry you’re struggling.”

“Just because we carry it well, doesn’t mean it’s not heavy.”

“I know how hard it is to feel buckled into a vehicle you can’t steer.”

“I’m praying for you, and I’m here for you.”

In absorbing her paragraphs of encouragement, her words revived me. My experience of weariness was not out of malicious disobedience or opposition to the verse that tells us not to grow weary in doing good. But in my humanity, and in that moment, I couldn’t do it alone. 

Getting rooted in community is not just for the days when we feel good and have lots to give. It’s also for the days when we need encouragement, practical help, and to remember our place in the greater story and body of Christ. Attending a church is a great way to dig into our faith and be encouraged. Smaller groups like a Bible study can be more accessible to those with physical or mental struggles and can be practical and personal. One-on-one conversations are a great way to build depth of friendship and long-term support with trustworthy people. 

As we wade through our own mental tides, it is a gift to look beyond ourselves and seek the good of others. To pray on their behalf even while we ourselves are in pain. To write a note of encouragement that we ourselves needed to hear, too. Getting or giving advice, talking through a problem, and unplugging through fun activities are ways we can be strengthened, and also lend our strength to others. It is a worthwhile endeavor to overcome the barriers to find meaningful community. 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25 

Lord, thank you for encouraging our hearts when we are weary, and that we can trust that our perseverance will reap a joyful harvest in due time. Thank you for the opportunities we have to love the people around us, and help us humbly accept the love and kindness of others in our weakness.