"Words of Encouragement for a Discouraged World" by Terri A. Groh ~ A Review

This little devotional is a blessing within its salmon colored cover. Author, Terri A. Groh, shares everyday situations to encourage her readers through the difficult times, trusting God as their strength and refuge. Terri’s husband, Dan, pastors the Crossroads Church of the Christian and Missionary Alliance church. They, with their three children, model encouragement on a daily basis through their leadership with their church family and in their community.

Terri’s devotional, Words of Encouragement for a Discouraged World: 52 Weekly Devotionals for Today’s Woman has a twist unlike other devotionals. Terri provides Scriptural references without spelling it out word for word. I found this encouraging because most devotionals give you the actual verse so you don’t need your Bible near you.

Terri challenges each of us to dust off the Bible and open it to the selected verses. I asked her about this and her response warmed my heart, “So many people are uncomfortable with their Bibles, I want them to enjoy, and find solace in God’s Word like I do. The only way they can do this is by opening it for themselves.”  

I have to admit something to you, I don’t always look up the recommended Bible verses first. Often I read Terri’s anecdote, enjoy her true-to-life experiences and then dive into the Scripture. Other days I know my heart needs to be focused so I start with the verses and then read the application. Whether you read the Bible verses before or after, they accompany the week’s lesson and encourage you to see the positives of the most bleak circumstances.

Terri included one devotion per week so you can take your time, leave a written response in the space provided, and revisit it later in the week. I found when I come back a couple days later to reread the devotion, I find another lesson or think of another verse that could apply.

If you are looking for a down-to-earth approach to life and to hear God speak to you from someone living a similar life as you, then this is the devotional for you. Click on either photograph for a direct link to Amazon.com.