Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 NIV
7 Again I saw something meaningless under the sun:8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
How easy is it for you to allow someone to help you? Or to let someone know that you need help?
Since Adam, man was not meant to be alone. You gave him Eve. You designed marriage to be a team effort in handling the ups and downs in life. You also gave us the church community where we not only gather together in worship but support each other during challenges. We were not meant to be alone. Forgive us, Lord, when we try to do it on our own. When we keep our pain to ourselves, we circumvent the meaning of community. When we take control and don’t let others into our situation we are not helping ourselves or those who love us. Lord, allow us to open ourselves to those You put in our lives and in our church communities. Open our eyes to see those who are struggling and need support but have not shared their needs with us. Allow us to serve, support, and provide for each other in ways that Glorify You. Guide us to confide to others when we have needs, or when we are in pain so that we may bind together in Your love to build each other up. Your design is for us to do this thing called life together. Let me lift out my hand to support those in need as I grasp onto You with my other hand. As we hold each other up, entwined in Your love, we are all strengthened. Lord help me to be a joyful servant sharing Your love. Amen