We live in an increasingly individualistic society.  Being “self-made” is applauded and celebrated. 

Transparency, vulnerability, and honesty have been replaced by perfectly curated and filtered lives that we post on social media – that portrays a life that is often not what it seems.  One where we have what we need and we are good on our own.  “I got this” is a phrase I’ve often thought and even said out loud.

But going all the way back to the Garden of Eden, God said “It is not good for man to be alone.”  

Adam with all of the animals, all his needs provided for and daily fellowship with the creator Himself, God still said that Adam was alone.  

You see, God created us with the desire and need for community.  It is woven into the very fabric of our being. We even see this play out in newborns who cannot verbally communicate, yet you see how they respond when they are held and comforted by a loving parent or caregiver.  Even the most premature of infants begin to thrive in such environments.

Sadly, I have lived a lot of my life outside of community.  I felt too ashamed to share my struggles with even my closest friends.  I reasoned that I was the only one going through what I was going through, so if I shared with anyone, I would be looked down upon and judged.

But when I finally let those walls come down and I shared with those around me, what I found was not judgment and shame.  But instead overwhelming love and encouragement.  They surrounded me with prayers, practical help, encouragement and so much more.  I can look back now and say without a shadow of a doubt that the trajectory of my life would be different had I not let others in.

If you are finding yourself in a similar situation, I want to encourage you to understand that the answer to your prayers is often found in the context of community.

And the Bible has a lot to say about it too…

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up…” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed…” (James 5:16)

My friend, you are not meant to do life alone.  Friends, a small group, neighbors…whoever you find is your community…may be exactly who God will use to help you grow, change, and heal.  Lean into them and you may be surprised at what God does in your life.