Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
If you were alone on a fully furnished island that was stocked with all the food, drinks, and non-human entertainment you needed, would you be happy? There would probably be an initial period of enjoyment as you soaked up the uninterrupted alone time. But at some point that enjoyment would start to give way to boredom if you had no one to share it with. The isolation would drive you mad.
We were not designed to live in isolation. If we look back to the beginning in the book of Genesis, we will see that isolation was not part of God's plan for humanity. He created Adam then saw fit to give Adam a human companion. We need social interaction. And that's why God designed relationships.
Many times in our culture we focus on the negative influence of relationships. We highlight the back-biting and betrayal and encourage people to believe that relationships are overrated and unneeded. You may have been scarred by previous relationships and have isolated yourself from others. But that is not God's plan for our lives. He wants us to build strong relationships that will encourage us and help us move forward.
I thank God for my friends. This past week I was at the Pastors' Prayer Summit spending four great days with great friends amidst a great God! We laughed, we ate,we prayed, we received the Word, we worshipped and were so strengthened because that is what happens when you are in the fortress of friends.
The right friend can say the perfect thing you need to hear during a difficult time, know just how to celebrate after a success, or take your mind off the pressures of life and help you enjoy the moment. Relationships are the building blocks of our lives. Don't allow yourself to live out in the cold of loneliness unprotected. Instead, surround yourself with the fortress of great friends.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, in a culture that focuses so much on the negative aspects of relationships I am so thankful for the fortress of friends that you have given me to share my life with. I pray that you will continue to strengthen our relationships with each other as we stay connected to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
