Have you ever been overwhelmed by loneliness? I’ll never forget the first time I was standing in a crowd of people, yet I felt utterly alone. Obviously, we know that God promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us. Yet in our minds, we can quickly forget that truth and a state of loneliness can at times consume our thoughts and emotions.

Desperate for Help

I had gone to Sutherlands (a local hardware and supply store) to pick up some items. As I was walking out of the store to my car, I noticed a woman frantically going from vehicle to vehicle trying to get anyone to listen to her. Briefly watching this woman, I observed that most people would not give her the time of day even to hear her. Then I realized why. This poor woman was in such a state that she did not realize she was not wearing a much-needed undergarment and only had a t-shirt on. Her hair was a mess, and she was in an emotional craze.

As I was not moving quickly to get to my car, it happened. She locked eyes on me and was headed my direction. And I knew it! I’m sure you have had a similar experience with someone who was in need or perhaps begging. But as she got closer to me, I could see the fear that she was experiencing. When she began to talk with me, I heard only the desperate cry of a loving momma for her child. She had just come from the doctor’s office. Her 18-month-old child was very sick and needed a $20 medication. She had the prescription in hand, yet she did not have the $20. Her frantic craze was fueled by lack of money but also a complete sense of loneliness as she had nowhere else to turn but to literally beg someone to listen to her and help.

I no longer was worried about the woman’s appearance nor the emotional state she was in. I only wanted to help this woman and her child. I told her I did not have the cash on me, but I would go down the street to the bank and get it for her. She wanted to pay it back, but I told her the Lord has heard her cry and He is supplying her need. She followed me to the bank. When I gave her the money, her tears of fear and panic has turned to tears of joy. I was able to pray with her and for the Lord to touch her child and quickly bring healing. I watched her drive away and pull into the pharmacy just a couple blocks away. I can still remember the way she was praising God as she left.

Life Is Better Together

I am thankful that the Lord gave me that opportunity to be a blessing to that lady. However, I believe I was the one blessed by it. But think with me for a moment. What if that woman was a part of a loving community of people that she could quickly reach out to in her time of need? She would not have experienced fear, panic, or embarrassed herself by forgetting her appearance trying to beg for help. She would have had an army of people who loved her unconditionally and who would have immediately stepped in to help.

You and I were not created to go through this life alone. God’s creation is replete with proof that every aspect of this planet and the entire universe is interdependent upon every other element for this perfect harmony to work. We see this truth in Colossians 1:16-17:

“For through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through Him and for Him. He existed before anything else, and He holds all creation together.”

God created all things, and by Him, all things are held together. That really gives me great peace about any meteors falling on earth destroying the planet or any other global catastrophic events that would wipe out all mankind. That will never happen until God does it Himself when He creates a new heaven and new earth (Revelations 21:1).

Inside His creation, all things are designed for community and relationships. Nature proves this. Without water and sunshine, plants do not grow. The circle of life and the food chain for animals are a perfect example. Our own body exemplifies this truth. We need two legs to walk on our own. And all the joints, muscles, nerves, and our brains all work in conjunction to give us that ability. Community and the Body of Christ works in the same way. Ephesians 4:16 says, “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”

This is the community and relationships God designed us to have. And every single person needs that community and those Godly relationships. Every person you come in contact with needs the Gospel of Jesus Christ. But they also need the love and nurturing that can only happen inside the Body of Christ…the Church! They need to belong.

I’m personally seeing this happen with MOPS { Mothers of Preschoolers }. Moms with preschoolers hardly have a moment to themselves much less a lot of relationships while they are raising their young children. At Eastwood, we are seeing these mothers grow in community and in their relationship with God. Recently, I ran across this article that merely states that it takes a Church to raise a kid! Oh, that is so true!!!

We are seeing the same thing happen with old men, many who are widowers. This large group of men meet weekly and share life together. They have seen and experienced so much in their lifetime and in this season of life, it is just as important to be in community with others and growing in their relationship with the Lord.

It is a true statement – Life. Better Together. Think of all the people you come in contact throughout your week that are desperately needing this in their life. On the outside, they may not be running around like the lady needing medicine for her child, but inside they are just as lonely, just as in need of Christ and His Church. In the power of invitation, one of the greatest things that you can do is invite someone to come to your weekly small group or Bible study. Many who will not even darken the door to step foot inside a church will come to a home or small group. That is the open door to community. That can also be their entrance to a relationship with Jesus.

Invite your one to join you in your small group or Bible study. Invite them to a deeper relationship with yourself. And soon, you’ll be able to invite them to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Life. Better Together.