A Day-by-day devotional

May 11, 2023

Support system

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 27-29

Scripture of the Day: 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Are you one of those people who, when you’re doing something, you aren’t comfortable when others look over your shoulder? You are so into what you do, and you need full concentration that knowing others are watching or looking makes you anxious?

I am one of those people. I don’t like being watched. Having an audience stresses me, even with the little things I do. When we were younger, my siblings would ask me to do things for them – draw or write something. However, I would always send them away before I could start. I do not like it when they look at me in the process of creating what they requested.

Likewise, as a very amateur musician, performing a piece for my teachers messes up my playing. Recently, however, I have joined an online community via an app where professional musicians and those learning music meet up. There is the possibility of going live when you practice, and people get to visit your virtual studio to watch your avatar play, and listen to you. The support and encouragement that one gets from the community is insanely helpful.

Generally, in “doing life”, we also need such a community. We all need a support system that could help build us up as well as motivate us in life. Fact is, life gets pretty hard quite often. There would be moments when you would be at the end of your rope, or life slams you hard, making you hit rock bottom. In all these times, actually even before you get to those times, a support system would help a lot.

It is therefore wise to have such a support system. As a given, family would be our number one choice. But unfortunately, for some, that may not work due to circumstances. Hence, we need to prayerfully choose people who could be a part of that system. They can be friends, a community of believers, mentors, among others.

The bible admonishes us to do this (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, Isaiah 41:6). For oftentimes, we would feel like we are all alone with what we are dealing with in life. However, most of the time, the truth is, others also experience what we go through. Even just knowing that could already lift one’s spirits up. We may be downcast for a moment but through a support system which is not only good for mental health and practical reasons, we would be able to more easily overcome.

Reflection: Do you have a group of people who get to cheer you on when life gets particularly rough? As believers, it would be a wise move to let in other believers in your personal circle for support. Iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). But we should also be wary – we need encouragers and motivators whose foundational basis is Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the people that you bring my way for support, love and encouragement. As I receive motivation from others, may I also be able to motivate and encourage others. Amen.