Together or Alone By Ed McDowell

Knowing You Are Never Alone

There are times or seasons of life where being alone is the journey. Solitude creates a unique opportunity for soul-building. It is an opportunity to be with God. In doing so, you recognize that you are not alone, even in solitude. God is with you.

When it comes to meeting the challenges and opportunities of life, we are encouraged to do it together with others. There is help and strength by trusting each other and working together.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 & 12b

Reflection

The writer of Ecclesiastes provides additional insight into the benefits of working together rather than alone:

If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.

Ecclesiastes 4:10:

One morning, I arrived at my Father’s house and found him lying in the driveway. He was by himself. He had fallen in his 90s and could not get up. He needed help. It wasn’t until I arrived that getting up was even possible. We are better together.

Think of this in terms of mental and spiritual health, too. Managing issues and challenges is much easier when we have the right support.

Consider times of absolute failure and brokenness. These are times when you might be tempted to think no one is coming to help, and you think you are all alone. A person who comes and walks the journey with you is an absolute lifeline of hope.

Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?

Ecclesiastes 4:11

Wilderness survival training in harsh conditions involves two people crawling together in the same sleeping bag when one becomes cold and hypothermic. This is a life-saving strategy.

Moms naturally hug and snuggle their kids when they are shivering and cold, sharing their warmth with their children.

Think of this in other terms: the warmth of a smile or encouraging words in an icy blast of relational tension or conflict or the prayer of a sincere friend when there are only tears or fears.

Bringing the warmth of our lives to each other is a life-saving strategy.

One standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:12: I

It is tough to fend off harm alone. Evil is best dealt with together. Two is good. Three is better. In heated conflict, seek help. Don’t try to handle it alone.

Encouragement

Jesus takes this value of being together to a whole new level with these words: I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them. Matthew 18: 19-20.

Talk about support, backup, and help! While spending time alone with God is highly valued, Jesus places a very high value on not being isolated. His presence shows up when we are together.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

I treasure the times I have with You alone. I know the profound blessing of being in God’s presence.

Thank you for reminding us that we are not meant to live alone. When confronting evil, dealing with the dangerous situation with others is much better. Isolation is deceptively dangerous. Even hard conversations with people we love are best done together.

To know that when we gather, just two or three of us, You are with us. When we agree, God is responding to our agreement. Thank You.

We are better off together. We are in good care knowing You are with us.

In Your name, Jesus, we pray,

Amen

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Ed McDowell is the CEO of Warm Beach Camp Ministries. He also coaches and consults in board leadership and development to bring fresh perspectives to perplexing situations. Ed authorizes a devotional series titled A Well-Planted Faith in an Uprooted Culture. His writing and speaking aim to challenge people to have God’s Word inform how they live. Ed and his wife, Bev, live on Camano Island, Washington, where they live out their mission statement: “To give our lives away for the cause of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible.”

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Together or Alone By Ed McDowell