Staying Warm

Today's story comes in two parts. The first is based on Ecclesiastes 4, verse 10. It involves stumbling or struggling with something. This same verse also offers a suggestion for how to navigate those struggles. A companion.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. ¹⁰For if one falls down, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to help him up!" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

This is not only good advice for hiking or walking, but it is also good for going through our struggles in life.

Have you ever been in a situation that was really bothering you? I suppose you could just tough it out and say, "I don't need anyone's help." But there IS a better way.

What if you called a friend, someone you trust, and talked to them about it? Quite often the end result is that BOTH of you feel encouraged afterward. PLUS you have just grown closer to that friend.

The second part of today's story is found in the very next verse.

"If two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?" - Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Again, this involves struggling, maybe even spiritually. It is the reason for the church actually.

"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Every day they continued to meet together." - Acts 2:42, 44, 46

That's the church! They met together, they struggled together, they loved together.

And speaking of love, Jesus warned us that a time would come when even the church would struggle - those who believe.

"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold." - Matthew 24:12

Ecclesiastes 4, verse 12, contains the answer.

"How can one keep warm alone?"

DON'T BE ALONE!

This life is hard enough going through it day by day. Wouldn't it be better the share the bumps in the road with someone? A companion?

A friendship or a spouse is how we stay warm when our faith starts getting cold. When we need encouragement, they provide it. When we need to be rebuked, well, a good friend will provide that too.

And don't forget about our closest friend and companion, Jesus. God has promised never to leave us or forsake us, in both the Old and New Testaments (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). You are never EVER alone.

I Will Never Leave You - Scripture Lullabies