Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Connecting: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

We all find ourselves in situations where it is necessary to connect with new people.  Sometimes it comes from a move, and sometimes it just comes from life circumstances.  In army life (and 3 duty stations in 3 years), I have found the need to make new friends multiple times.  Loneliness can be dangerous at any time, but in army life it can be devastating.  Loneliness combined with fear (such as that found during deployments) is not a good combination!  Today in Bible Study (PWOC, Ft. Bragg), our devotion was on connecting with others and what the Bible has to say.  Four truths were presented on what the Bible says about connecting with others. 

 They came from Ecclesiastes 4:9-12:
(9) Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.  (10) For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!  (11) Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?  (12) And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him--a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  

The first truth found in verse 9 is that there is greater reward when we work together or have someone to work with.  This practical truth is easily forgotten when we try to "go at something alone."  But the Scripture plainly states that the outcome will be better when two (or more) face something together.  The second truth presented, found in verse 10, was that connections with others bring timely support.  As a wife, my husband is a wonderful source of support; however, as an army wife he cannot always be my "timely support" because I do face moments when he is not around or even unreachable.  Therefore, friendship with others is necessary!  
The third truth is found in verse 11, and it is mutual comfort.  This picture of physical comfort, can help us remember that there are times we need emotional comfort as well.  When we are faced with difficult circumstances, how wonderful is it to have a friend who understands and who can encourage us.  Finally, the fourth truth is found in verse 12:  there is strength in numbers.  God didn't create us to face life alone.  He meant for us to face it while connected to Him and to others.  So many visual illustrations accompany this verse, but we have all faced circumstances that also bring light to this truth.  
Today, in a new place, I was reminded how difficult it can be to connect with others, but also I was reminded of its importance.  Through all circumstances I must persevere, and find the connections God has for me.  In this way, I can fully realize the life that God has for me.

1 comments:

Bruna said...

so true, it's these simple truths that the bible tells us that never ceases to amuse me. it's such a duhh thing that we so need to be told. before having Christ in my life I took so much pride in being so independent and putting up walls... when it takes so much more strength to let it all down and make yourself vulnerable and admit that you can do it on your own.